John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I have memorized almost every word 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 relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
