The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance 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 pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to blast at a party
It depends 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
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.
