John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
