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The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The track that makes me cry
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.