The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.