This week we speak to Mark Morriss, former frontman of The Bluetones, who is now taking his wonderfully-crafted, melodic songs out on the road as a solo artist.

His tour touches down in Peterborough on Wednesday, June 18, but before that day arrives, he took us through a few of his favourite things.

Is there a film star, musician, pop star, artist or writer you most admire? And why?

Neil Young has always been something of an inspiration. I do admire the way he manages to keep his songwriting fresh and energised despite years of toil in one of the most thankless industries in the world. Even when he goes a little off kilter (I'm thinking Let's Roll specifically) there is still no questioning the man's integrity.

Is there a TV programme you couldn't live without?

Sadly, I'd have to say Match Of The Day. It's the only television programme I watch with any regularity, and I suppose it provides a link to my boyhood, being allowed to stay up late to watch of a Saturday.

Do you remember the first record you bought? What was it, and where did you buy it?

The first record I bought for myself was the 7" of Mike Oldfield's Moonlight Shadow from Woolies in Hounslow West. Did it change my life? Not really, but still, cracking guitar solo.

Tell us about a recent discovery... something you've seen or heard recently that you would recommend to us.

There is a young Scottish singer songwriter called William Douglas who, though largely unheralded at the moment, is seldom off my i-Pod. Check out his MySpace. Also a Birmingham band called Misty's Big Adventure who I recently toured with. Best live band in these isles.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections, something you know is a bit rubbish but you can't help yourself.

I have been known to be a bit partial to Michael Buble. So shoot me.

Do you have a favourite film?

Harold And Maude. It's funny, sad, poetic and gets better with every viewing.

What about a favourite album?

(Former Pavement frontman) Stephen Malkmus' Pig Lib. The guy's a genius. I love all of Pavement's stuff, but his solo work just cranks it up a notch for me.

And a favourite book?

Timequake by Kurt Vonnegut. Brilliantly funny to read, but almost impossible to describe to someone who's not read it. I remember how hollow I felt on hearing of his death last April. The world lost a truly beautiful man when Kurt passed away.

Is there a song or individual piece of music you always come back to?

Probably Duchess, by Scott Walker. About this time every year, when we start to get a bit more sunshine, I pull out a bit of Scott, pour myself a Pimm's and just bathe in the sheer beauty of his voice and arrangements.

Tell me about a live music experience that sticks in your memory...

The Bluetones supported Radiohead in Paris in the Spring of '96. I wasn't a fan particularly, but then I'd not seen them live before.