The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.