John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first song I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 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 honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. 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 hooked.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
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.
