John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly know all the words to
I just realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most 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 melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
