The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
