The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and 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 song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
