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

The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased 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 dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized virtually 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 best track to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.