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

The initial track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose 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 music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point 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 evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to play 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 Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

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.