John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 do at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly know every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, 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. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
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.
