John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, 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 the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s 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 AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.
