John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall almost 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 ideal song to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely 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 gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
