John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going 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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.
