John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized 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 perfect song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
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.