John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly recite all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling 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 Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
