John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money 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 father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
