John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, 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 Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.