John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I know virtually 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 play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
