The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely know each line to
I recently became aware that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to play at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.