The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
