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

The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's 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 karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best track to play at a party
It depends on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can not listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Jake Baker
Jake Baker

Eleanor Vance is a seasoned journalist specializing in royal affairs, with over a decade of experience covering the British monarchy for various media outlets.

June 2026 Blog Roll