Listen up: TuneSmith’s musical recommendations for September

To play us out of the summer, our TuneSmith, Rob Wood, selects the sounds of September. This month: dad-friendly dance and the awe-inspiring Terry Callier…

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

We Can’t Fly by Aeroplane

When? You aren’t on the guest list any more
Why? This is the only licence to dance you need

Upon reaching a certain age, it’s no bad thing to admit that your days on the dance floor are probably over for good. That doesn’t mean your dance-music itch shouldn’t be scratched. Banging house music may never have been that good, and listening to it in middle age is truly shame-worthy, but there is plenty of inspiring electronic music for those who know where to find it. At the top of the pile of those specialising in slower, more considered beats is a duo hailing from Belgium. DJ sets at Bestival and stunning remixes for the likes of Grace Jones and Friendly Fires have made Aeroplane one of the hottest underground acts of the last three years. Their debut album does nothing to dampen their credibility. We Can’t Fly is joyous romp of influences ranging from cult film soundtracks, to sweaty disco, to 80s pop, to Gimme Shelter-era Stones. With guest appearances from Merry Clayton (who backed Jagger on vocals on that very album), teen star Sky Ferreira, and master of electronic disco Giorgio Moroder, every track is conceived with love and immaculate attention to detail. Disco dads should take note: nightclubs may be off limits, but don’t let that stop you joining this party.

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THE SMITH CLASSIC

What Color is Love? by Terry Callier

When? You find yourself shouting at the radio
Why? It’s the perfect sanctuary for those looking to escape the charts

For anyone who’s seen Terry Callier live, it’s widely regarded as an unforgettable experience. Full of charisma, passion and integrity, his performances have been known to make grown men cry. With dates in Edinburgh and Manchester this autumn, now is a good time to revisit this soul-jazz vocalist’s masterworks. Achieving an outstanding balance between acoustic folk, soul, and delicate jazz-laden grooves, What Color Is Love? was all but ignored on its original 1973 release. After making his comeback in the ’90s, this album is now rightfully championed as a unique moment in jazz and soul history where the two came together in the same musical embrace that Nina Simone and Gil Scott-Heron made their own. A sublime experience for anyone willing to listen. For a taster, check out Mr & Mrs Smith’s In bed with… compilation – Callier’s ‘Dancing Girl’, taken from this album, is the final track.

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