John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember all the words to
I just became aware that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, 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 absolute banger.
The number I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
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.
