John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably know each line to
I just realised that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase 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 evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
