The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's 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 one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I just realised that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling 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 hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.