John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very 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 mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just discovered that I have memorized 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 perfect tune to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling 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 massive track.
The number I can never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
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.