John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a 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 the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father 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 under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite each line to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the record 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 makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
