The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember each line to
I just discovered that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and 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 no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
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.
