The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely know each line to
I recently became aware that I know almost every word 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 put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point 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 transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can never bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. 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.

Edward Woods
Edward Woods

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