The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
