The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I just became aware 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 Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling 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 absolute banger.
The track I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
