John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial song I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I recently discovered that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
