John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a 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 Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop 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 tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.