John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I just discovered that I can recall 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 perfect track to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed 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.
