The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose 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 record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to put on at a soirée
It depends on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
The King. 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.
