John Simm's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, 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 massive track.

The track I can not listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

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

Rebecca Jimenez
Rebecca Jimenez

A digital strategist with over 8 years of experience in content marketing and SEO, passionate about helping brands thrive online.