John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group 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 father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I recently realised that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to put on at a party
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
