John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I know almost 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 put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
