John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric 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 each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon 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. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
