John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David 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 absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. 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.
