John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “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 new record 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 the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to play at a party
It relies 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 absolute banger.
The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
