John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’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 childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
