The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 tune I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I just realised that I know virtually 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 perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track 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.
