The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly recite all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall 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 ideal song to put on at a party
It relies 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 work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
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.
