John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
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 melody and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
