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