John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
