John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song 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.
