John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember all the words to
I recently realised that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start 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 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 number I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
All 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 melody and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like performed 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.
