John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly know each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
