John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
