John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall 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 tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably 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 Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
