The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor 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 music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I know 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 depends on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can never hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter brilliance 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
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.