The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand 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 Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing 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 inexplicably know all the words to
I just discovered that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
