John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I recently discovered that I know virtually 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 best tune to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through 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 song I can no longer hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. 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.
