The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose 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 number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I recently realised that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party 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 really kicks off, 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 never bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
