John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party 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 record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know pretty much 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 ideal tune to put on at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
