John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost 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 track to blast at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, 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 loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.