John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
