John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. At the start 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 Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song 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.
