The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning 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 remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized 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 ideal tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can never bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
