John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
