The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know each line to
I just realised that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, 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 listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, 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 rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
