John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I just became aware that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
