John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting 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 inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased 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 one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to blast at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, 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 number I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
