John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
