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The first track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The track I can not bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, 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 piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.