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The earliest track I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling 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 track I can never bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that brings me to tears
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. 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.