John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl 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 Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings 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 dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember each line to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to play at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 massive track.
The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed 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.
