The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group 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 No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I just realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
