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The initial track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I just realised 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 best tune to put on at a party
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, 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 strikes a chord every time.

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.