John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl 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 Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I know 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 best song to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
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.
