The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The first track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably recite every lyric 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 each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to play at a party
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Alexandra James
Alexandra James

Award-winning investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political and social issues across Europe.