The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single 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 teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to play at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, 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 track 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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.