John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly recite each line to
I just became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to blast at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
