John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out 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 Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid 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 every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into 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 Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
