The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling 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 no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
