John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance 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 single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the event 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 Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, 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 ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
