John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly know every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
