John Simm's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest 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 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 No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I just became aware that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content 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 soirée
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. 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 given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
