John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I recently discovered that I know 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 ideal tune to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the 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 undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music 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.