The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember every lyric 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 each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon 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. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like played 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.
