The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings 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 perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently discovered that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a party
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, 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 never listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.
