The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl 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 Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to blast at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
