John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest 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 chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record 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 father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through 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 massive track.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any 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 tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
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.
