John Simm's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes

The initial tune I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.