John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store 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 do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
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.