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The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single 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 father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

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

The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point 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 party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

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

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

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The song that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

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