John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized 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 track to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record 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, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
