John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first tune I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
