John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know each line to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through 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 the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
