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The earliest song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly know every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to play at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

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