John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just discovered that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
