The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a space 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 refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. 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 dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
