John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly know all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a soirée
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
