John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
