The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I inexplicably know all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to blast at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed 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.
