John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall 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 party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
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.
