John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party 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 purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
