John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
