John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to play at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start 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 Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
