John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one 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 frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. 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.
