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The initial tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know each line 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 each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can no longer hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

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