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The first track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably know every lyric to
I recently discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest 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 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.