John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
