John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The first song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently realised that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best track to put on at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David 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 massive track.

The number I can not listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon 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 ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

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

Elizabeth Richardson
Elizabeth Richardson

A beauty enthusiast and certified skincare specialist sharing evidence-based tips and personal experiences to help you achieve your best glow.