Mr Scruff’s record box: Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy’s secret weapons

Colleen Murphy cut her teeth at David Mancuso’s Loft Parties during the 1990’s and is a torchbearer for his loft party ethos. She worked closely with the late DJ and party organiser on volumes one and two of David Mancuso Presents The Loft as well as partially realised Loft Audiophile Library of Music and you can listen to her fantastic four-hour tribute to him, which features one of Colleen’s vital picks not embedded below, via Worldwide FM. 

Her Classic Album Sundays have become an international institution and as a club DJ she has become known for her eclectic, floor-filling selections. It’s true that few select from a record collection with the breadth of hers. Ahead of her appearance at Mr Scruff’s Keep it Unreal on Saturday 7th January, Cosmo came through with five vital tracks, which are just a taste of what she and Mr Scruff will have in store.

Angela Bofill – ‘People Make the World Go Round’ (Grooveline)

‘I love Angela’s cover of this Stylistics classic which is a reminder of the imperfect beauty of the human race, and this re-issue on my friend Andrew Pirie’s Grooveline label is the best pressing I have ever heard. The flip side features a 45 RPM remastered version of ‘Under the Moon and Over the Sky’, the opening track to her debut album ‘Angie’, which is positively sublime.’

Alfredo de la Fé & The Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble – ‘My Favorite Things’ Live Version (The Loft Audiophile Library of Music)

‘In tribute to the recent passing of my dear friend David Mancuso I wanted to include the only release we did as The Loft Audiophile Library of Music. This piece was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1980 and the percussion breakdown permeates the mind, body and soul. Special tribute should also be paid to the late mastering engineer Stan Ricker, a legend in his own right.’

Chris Jay – ‘Can’t Take No More’ (Dubwise)

I am a huge lover of dub and this upbeat steppers track raises the energy level on the dance floor each time. It has been one of my secret weapons for nearly two decades, but I guess it’s not so secret anymore!

Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns – ‘Discositdown’ (Skint)

‘As far as I’m aware, this is a rework of Fred Wesley and the Horny Horns’ which was originally recorded in the 70’s, found its way onto the is found onto ‘The Final Blow’ album in ’94 and then reworked for Fatboy Slim’s ‘On The Floor at the Boutique’. I’m not sure if this is right but it doesn’t really matter as its a great one for getting people off their bums and onto the floor!’

Flash Atkins – ‘Summer of Love’ [The Emperor Machine Remix] (Paper Recordings)

‘I really love this techy and trippy record and played it at the last Loft party in New York City and it went down a treat. It takes a while to get going but when it does, hold on to your hats!’