John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “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 choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to play at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can never hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.