The first track I became enamored with
My most primal memory is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance 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 bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably recite each line to
I just became aware that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, 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 hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, 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 rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
