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The first tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose 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 sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I inexplicably know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to play at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The song I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

The music I’d like to be 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.