John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a soirée
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
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.
