John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
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 Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember each line to
I recently realised that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, 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 the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.