John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall almost every word 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 which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like to be 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.
