The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just discovered 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 ideal track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track 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.