John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings 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 father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
