John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor 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 record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly know every lyric to
I just became aware that I know almost 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 tune to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors 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 Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
