John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions

The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings 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 father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly know each line to
I recently became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to put on at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.

The music I’d like performed 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.

Troy Bauer
Troy Bauer

Marcus is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games, specializing in payout strategies and player safety.