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The first track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space 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 arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect song to put on at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.