John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by 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 song I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
