John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new record 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 Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 tune I perform at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
