John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall pretty much 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 tune to play at a party
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to 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 listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
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.
