Elvis Costello on the songs that shaped him - and the ones he can't stand

Singer-songwriter Elvis Costello has spoken about the music that has shaped his life and career, in a wide-ranging interview about his personal listening habits.

Costello said the first song he fell in love with was "The Wind Cries Mary" by Jimi Hendrix, released in 1967 when he was 12 years old. While Hendrix was known for outgoing, high-energy music, Costello said it was the emotional, romantic side of Hendrix's work that resonated with him and influenced his own songwriting.

Asked about karaoke, Costello said he does not take part, noting that performing music is his profession rather than a casual pastime. He said he prefers instead to "live vicariously" through performances such as Bill Murray singing "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" in the film Lost in Translation.

Costello also discussed his long-standing debt to musician Georgie Fame as an influence, and said that while he appreciates aspects of Jimi Hendrix's catalogue, he finds the music of Pink Floyd "dreary" and struggles to listen to it.

The interview forms part of a series in which musicians discuss their personal relationships with music, including songs they love, songs they avoid, and the music that shaped their creative development.