The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably recite each line 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 tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
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.
