John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, 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 Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably know all the words to
I just discovered that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
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 laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
