John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly recite each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would 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 gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
