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

The initial track I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly remember each line to
I recently realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, 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 Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like performed 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.

Javier Sanchez
Javier Sanchez

A London-based writer passionate about uncovering hidden gems in British culture and sharing practical lifestyle tips.