The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings 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 dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I recently realised that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
