John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 never hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly 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 electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The music I’d like played 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.
