John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record 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 purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably know each line to
I just realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to play at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
