The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a party
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
