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The initial tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I have memorized 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 put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can never hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on 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 AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. 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.