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The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl 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 pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I just discovered that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to play at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

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

The ultimate piece to get intimate 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 classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

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