John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor 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 number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite each line to
I just discovered that I can recall pretty much 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 soirée
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
