John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a 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 Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out 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 if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.