John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl 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 record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently realised that I have memorized pretty much 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 perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase 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 move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, 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 guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
