John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, 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 bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.