The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
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 mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money 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 dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can never listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
