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The earliest song I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal tune to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

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