John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions

The initial song I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. 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 track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can never hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.