John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to play at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
