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The earliest song I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know all the words 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 every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect track to play at a party
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can no longer listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.

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