John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I just discovered that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like played 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.
