John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
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 teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I recently realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a gathering
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune 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
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
