John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party 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 record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I just became aware that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party 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 transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
