The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much 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 blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.