John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I recently realised that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
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.
