John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a soirée
It relies 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.