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The initial song I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop 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 song I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I recently discovered that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling 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 the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.