John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased 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 selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can not listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
