The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to blast at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
