John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to play at a gathering
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 Prince, the Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The track I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
