John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly recite all the words to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to put on at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
