The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I recently became aware that I know 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 song to put on at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like to be played 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.
