John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by 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 number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can never listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
