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The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out 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 topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to play at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling 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 massive track.

The song I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

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