The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money 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 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 if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite each line to
I just became aware 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 put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
