The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember each line to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to 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 no longer listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.