John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose 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 No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to blast at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
