The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a 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 Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely remember all the words to
I recently realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. 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.