The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently realised that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the event 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 massive track.
The number I can no longer hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune 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 given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
