John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 track I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I just discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It depends on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.