John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select 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 pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely know each line to
I just realised that I know virtually 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 what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
