John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand 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 pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a party
It depends on the point 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 transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. 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 laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.