John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions

The first track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would 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 hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

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