John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
