John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I just became aware that I can recall almost 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 tune to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling 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 the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
