John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
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 Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. 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.
