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The earliest track I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. 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.