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The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's 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 one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely remember every lyric to
I just discovered that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to put on at a party
It relies on which phase of the party 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 Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can not hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

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