The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, 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 opted for 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 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 song I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
