John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly recite each line to
I recently discovered that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It depends on the point 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 night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling 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 the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
