John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. 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 music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I just discovered that I have memorized almost 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 song to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. 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 Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.