John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I know almost 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 perfect song to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably 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 Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece 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 guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
