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The initial tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance 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 dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know each line to
I just became aware that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and 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 massive track.

The track I can no longer hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly 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. 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 Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

The music 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.