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

The first song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

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

The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to put on at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The track I can not bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
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.

Christopher Phillips
Christopher Phillips

Certified personal trainer and nutrition enthusiast dedicated to helping others transform their lives through fitness.