The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to blast at a soirée
It depends on the point 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
