The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely know each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
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 fixated on 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 the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
