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The first song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand 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 music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing 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 track I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

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