John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago 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 the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, 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 never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
