John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a party
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
