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

The earliest song I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The song I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Juan Tucker
Juan Tucker

A transportation journalist with over a decade of experience covering North American rail systems and infrastructure development.

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