John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, 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 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 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 song I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I recently became aware that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to blast at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would 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 really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.