The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
