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

The initial track I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I know pretty much 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 blast at a soirée
It depends on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

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

The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, 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 rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The music I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Kelly Richardson
Kelly Richardson

A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of experience in casino gaming and player education.