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The initial track I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select 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 the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

The song I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.