John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track 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 1950s 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 played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
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.
