John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
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.