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The first track I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, 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 the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

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