The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, 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 a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently discovered that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.