The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The 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 Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song 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.
