John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I recently realised that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a party
It depends 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 party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
