John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and 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 massive track.
The number I can no longer hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
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.
