John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly recite every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, 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. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
