John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably 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 Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
