John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party 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 work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The track 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.
