The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I not long ago realised that I know pretty much 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 perfect tune to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David 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 absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like to be 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.
