The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely know all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, 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, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.