John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, 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 instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, 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 electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The music 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.
