John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party 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 purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 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 honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know each line to
I just realised that I can recall pretty much 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 ideal tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can never bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, 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 Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. 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.
