John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
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.
