John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a gathering
It depends 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 night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
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.