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The first track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The track I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.