John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I just discovered that I can recall almost 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 best tune to blast at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.