🔗 Share this article

The initial tune I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

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

The song I oddly recite each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the 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 absolute banger.

The number I can not hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.