John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl 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 Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently discovered that I know 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 best track to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, 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 song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
