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The initial track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. 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 perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.