John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David 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 massive track.
The song I can not hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
