John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember each line to
I just realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party 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 the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like played 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.
