John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting 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 first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco 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 Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word 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 party
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would 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 hits its peak, 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 track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly 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. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.