John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to blast 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 party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
