John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
