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

The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best song to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Laura Reyes
Laura Reyes

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slots across the UK market.