John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
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 bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly know each line to
I recently realised that I know pretty much all the lyrics 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 soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like to be 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.
