John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly know all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably 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 really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like to be 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.
