John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know pretty much all the lyrics 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 hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
