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The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely know all the words to
I just discovered that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to play at a party
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

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