John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember all the words to
I recently realised that I have memorized almost 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 event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The song 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.
