The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a soirée
It relies 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 Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, 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 powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.