John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.