John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl 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 the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to 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 song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
The King. 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.
