The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to blast at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 never hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex 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 classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
