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

The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage 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 move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.