John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “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 was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know all the words to
I recently realised that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning 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 Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. 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.
