John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop 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 song I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I recently discovered that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to play at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.