John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won 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 picked out 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 record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently realised that I can recall pretty much 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 perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, 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 parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
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.
