John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group 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 selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly know each line to
I just realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.