The Monthly - September 10

1. LEFTIES SOUL CONNECTION – Organ Donor New To Me
What might seem like a good-but-not-great funk track really lights up at the 2m51s mark when it unleashes one of the best drum breaks I’ve ever heard. Surprisingly, this is from 2006 and is a cover of DJ Shadow.

2. FIRST CHOICE – This Is The House (Tom Moulton Remix) Hot Off The Press
Remix pioneer Moulton put out a new album of classic Philadelphia disco this month called Philly Re-Grooved, with all tracks benefitting from his magic touch. This one just makes me smile every time but the whole album’s a great listen.

3. BABY HUEY – Listen To Me Rediscovery Of The Month
The Baby Huey Story is an album I’ve had for a long time on vinyl, but only just bagged it digitally, and it’s a tour-de-force of early 70s funk. He had an incredible voice and this is the opening track.

4. MAE WEST – My New Year’s Resolution New To Me
Mae West was famous for her saucy humour and that’s evident from this cheeky little track from 1966 – released when she was 73!!! I found this randomly on iTunes while searching for something else, so that was a bit of a bonus.

5.? & THE MYSTERIANS – 96 Tears New To Me
And staying with 1966 (the best music year ever? Discuss) here’s a garage classic that feels very familiar but I only just got round to owning it. The band hailed from Michigan and I also found their great cover of The Isley Brothers’ Shout.

6. THEM – It’s All Over Now Baby Blue New To Me
I was lucky enough to DJ at Leeds Festival this month and Andy (who invited me along) and I did a spot in the backstage bar one afternoon and traded cover versions. He pulled out this brilliant cover of Dylan, by Van Morrison’s band, Them.

7. FOALS – Spanish Sahara Hot Off The Press
Oxford’s Foals are definitely a thinking man’s indie band, and this, from their recently released second album Total Life Forever, really caught my attention when it came on the radio. Check out the album when you can.

8. DAS RACIST – You Can Sell Anything Hot Off The Press
This New York duo have been getting tips for a little while, but this Diplo-produced track is the first I’ve actually heard of them. There’s something weird and charming about their raps that seems to divide opinion, so see what you think.

9. OK GO – White Knuckles Hot Off The Press
Probably better known for their YouTube dominating videos of late, Chicago’s OK Go could be accused of shifting focus away from their own music, but this new single is a good Prince impression and a great track to me.

10. CAKE – The Distance New To Me
One of those bands that I only know one track of (Short Skirt/Long Jacket) but this 1996 song came on the radio the other day, making it two great tracks out of two for them. I’m afraid to listen to their albums now in case they’re crap.

11. CROOKERS – Put Your Hands On Me New To Me
Speaking of Leeds Festival (see track 6) the nighttime playlists were definitely more lively, and this was a highlight for me. Seeing several thousand jump to this was something I won’t forget in a hurry.

12. FALLULAH – New York, You’re My Concrete Lover Hot Off The Press
I’ve been enjoying a lot of Danish music this month and Fallulah is the standout artist for me. She’s like a Danish Marina & The Diamonds, and at only 25 seems like one to watch. This comes from her album The Black Cat Neighbourhood.

13. ZOLA JESUS – Tower Hot Off The Press
Zola Jesus has been getting a lot of critical attention and recently supported Fever Ray on tour. She’s only 21 and comes from Phoenix. Her new album, Stridulum II is an ambient work of art, with this track typical of her moody sound.

14. KURRAN & THE WOLFNOTES – Your Four Limbs Hot Off The Press
Another month, another gift from 6Music. The band are local to me judging by their press shot taken at St Pancras, and the two tracks I have of theirs are both superb acoustic fare. No album yet, but watch this space.

15. DRY THE RIVER – History Book Hot Off The Press
I caught a friend’s band live recently, but these guys supported and excited me much more. They only have an EP out and I’m seeing them live again soon, and with their echoes of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and The Low Anthem, I like them a lot.