John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to put on at a party
It hinges on the point 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
