John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly recite all the words to
I just realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect tune to play at a party
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
