The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know almost 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 best tune to blast at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.