John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very 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 weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, 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 rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
