John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick 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 single I bought 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 father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I recently became aware that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. 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.
