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The initial song I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

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

The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized almost 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 ideal song to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors 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 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 number I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

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