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The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. 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 tune I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can never hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.