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The first track I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased 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 chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, 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 brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.

The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.