John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
