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The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly recite all the words to
I recently became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to blast at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, 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 Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.