The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick 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 single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly know each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
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.
