John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The first tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to blast at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

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