The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money 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 pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round 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 vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
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
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
