The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one 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 sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I just discovered that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the party 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 move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
