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The earliest track I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl 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 Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.

The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.