John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I just became aware 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 the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
