The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I recently discovered 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 Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 massive track.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
