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The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to have sex 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 obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.

The track I’d like performed at my funeral
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.