John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money 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 dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly know every lyric to
I just discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. 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.
