John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect tune to blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
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.
