John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
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 Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start 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 Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
