John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out 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 Colne. 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 do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a soirée
It depends on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.