John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl 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 record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to blast at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
