🔗 Share this article

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

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually 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 ideal track to play at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry 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 performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.