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The first tune I became enamored with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually every word 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 hinges on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

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