John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember each line 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 play at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
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.
