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The initial song I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “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 record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. 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 tune I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can never bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

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