John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single 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 small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, 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 track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
