John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
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 laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.