John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes

The earliest tune I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly 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 strangely remember all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to blast at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can not bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The song that makes me cry
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

The track I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.