John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. 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.
