John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at kindergarten 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 reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for 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 No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I just became aware 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 ideal song to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, 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 massive track.
The song I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.