John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a party
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
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.
