The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in 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 a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely know all the words to
I just realised that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
