The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I just realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.