John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
