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The first song I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

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

The track I oddly remember each line to
I recently realised that I have memorized almost 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 put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.