John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a party
It depends on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played 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 turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
