John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I just realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
