John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling 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 not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, 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 AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
