John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently discovered 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 the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the 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 track I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by 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 rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
