John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party 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 music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can never listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
