John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
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.
