John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the event 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 move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
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.
