John Simm's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly know all the words to
I just became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to blast at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to 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 undeniable hit.
The track I can not listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
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.
