John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like to be 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.
