John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the event 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 work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song 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.
