John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes

The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to put on at a soirée
It depends on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The track that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.

The song I’d like performed 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.