The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions

The first tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, 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 absolute banger.

The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The track I’d like played 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.

Jason Boyd
Jason Boyd

Elara Vance is an architect and design writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in modern sustainable homes and innovative interior solutions.