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

The initial tune I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely remember every lyric to
I recently realised that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can not bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.