The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to blast at a party
It relies on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, 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 powerful rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
