John Simm's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions

The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record 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 mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly recite each line to
I recently became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal tune to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like played at my funeral
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.

Christopher Knight
Christopher Knight

A sociologist and writer passionate about uncovering societal taboos and fostering open dialogue through insightful analysis.

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