John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money 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 track I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to put on at a gathering
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 the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
