John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
