The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics 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 put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, 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 music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
