The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for 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 record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to put on at a soirée
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably 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 Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music 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.
