John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly know each line 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 perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, 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 the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, 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 the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song 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.