John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors 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 the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
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.
