John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick 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 picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I just realised that I know virtually 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 play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly 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 placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
