The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember each line to
I recently realised that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most 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 utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
