John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid 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 oddly know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, 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 music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
