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

The initial song I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I recently became aware 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 play at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can never hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round 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 record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Kevin Long
Kevin Long

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in analyzing casino trends and providing strategic insights.