John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes

The earliest track I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Eric Flores
Eric Flores

A seasoned venture capitalist with over a decade of experience in funding tech startups and mentoring entrepreneurs.