John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know each line to
I just discovered that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The track I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon 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 electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
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.
