John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out 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 music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
