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The earliest song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record 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 Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 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 karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect tune to put on at a party
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 Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The song I’d like played 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.