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The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won 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 a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I recently became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.