John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first tune I fell in love with
My earliest memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly know each line to
I just became aware that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a soirée
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to 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 the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can never hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
