John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose 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 music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall virtually 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 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 night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’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 the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
