John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric 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 each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to play at a party
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, 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 vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
