The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single 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 dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I just discovered that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
