John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “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 record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably recite each line to
I just became aware that I can recall pretty much 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 perfect track to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely 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 really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, 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 music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
