John Simm's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to play at a party
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start 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 Stones and David 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 absolute banger.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.