John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall virtually every word 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 blast at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, 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 high voltage rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.