John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: āFull speed ahead!ā When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: āThis must be music!ā
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select 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 chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single 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 chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, Iād select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly know every lyric to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party 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, Iād work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, Iād only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ānāroll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
Whatād I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The music Iād like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If Iām given a cremation, Iāll have Burning Love. If Iām laid to rest in the ground, Iāll have Way Down.