The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember all the words to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track 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.