The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to put on at a party
It hinges 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 evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.