The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at preschool 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 reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
