The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, 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 music store 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 sing at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It depends on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
