The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions

The first song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely remember each line to
I just discovered that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best song to play at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

The track I’d like played at my funeral
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.