John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The first song I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly recite each line to
I just became aware that I know virtually 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 song to put on at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

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

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Tammy Townsend
Tammy Townsend

A professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in UK tournaments, specializing in online play and player psychology.