John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall 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 ideal song to play at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
