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The earliest track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably recite each line to
I recently realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal song to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage 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 transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.

The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

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