They keep pumping them out, but house-music “albums” are pointless.
Except for rare occasions, they’re just a collection of tracks, lacking
in cohesion or thematic direction. The tracks might be decent, but as a
listener you know the true context for them is as part of a DJ’s set,
not as separate entities, making for an awkward, frustrating
listen.
I bring it up because I’m writing this column with the new Colette
album, Push (Om Records), on in the background. It’s typical Om
fare—shiny, happy house music for shiny, happy people. That isn’t
meant as a criticism. I often criticize dance music for taking itself
far too seriously, and this album certainly avoids those trappings.
These aren’t songs for introspection or contemplation; they’re pop
songs about love, parties, and general escape from the world’s
problems. However, they’re most definitely songs for hearing out in a
club, not sitting at a desk.
This album marks the latest step in Colette’s ascendance in the Om
Records hierarchy and the world DJ circuit. After years of guest vocal
appearances, Colette gained individual fame once she took a position
behind the turntables herself, improvising vocals to house
instrumentals. It’s definitely been a differentiating factor in a world
filled with house DJs.
The last time I saw Colette, she was sharing the bill with the
ever-smiling DJ Heather. They tag teamed, making the whole evening a
bit spastic, as the two never quite found their equilibrium. Heather
would move in one direction, Colette would go another, making the
evening’s output less than the sum of its parts. On her own, Colette
balances her vocals with playing tracks outright, keeping her own
additions sparing enough to not become tiresome. It’s fun, she’s hot,
and the music knows its role. You should know yours: Don’t think too
much about it, just get out there and dance. 
DJ Colette plays the Last Supper Club (124 S Washington St) on
Sat Aug 25, 9 pm–2 am, $10, 21+.
donté@thestranger.com