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The earliest tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by 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 number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely remember each line to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to play at a party
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can not bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played 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 captivated.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

The song I’d like 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.