🔗 Share this article

The initial track I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl 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 pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

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

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

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

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