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The earliest song I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a party
It relies on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling 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 no longer listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The music I’d like to be 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.