John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 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 frankly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite all the words to
I just realised that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can never hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music 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.
