John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just discovered that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect tune to blast at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune 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. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.