John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, 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 teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop 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 tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall 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 best track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song 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.
