John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick 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 bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
