🔗 Share this article

The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor 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 Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly remember each line to
I just discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to put on at a gathering
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David 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 song I can never hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like to be 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.