The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I became enamored with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 track I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
