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The earliest song I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings 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 a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly remember each line to
I recently discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’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 played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed 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 brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.