John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
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 picked out 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 music store 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 tune I do at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
