John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David 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 song I can not hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
