John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just became aware that I can recall pretty much 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 ideal song to blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably 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 David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
