John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
