How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records

I read this because I'm gearing up to start DJing social dances (that is, dances for people who dance a specific style of partner dancing). A lot of the advice in it, though I don't doubt it's good advice, is about things that probably won't ever affect me – I'm not a club DJ spinning electronic music for a chemically-altered crowd and I'm not looking to become an internationally recognized name who jets to Ibiza to play out. In spite of that, I really liked this book, for several reasons.

- It's thorough. It doesn't address my situation much directly, but there's plenty in here for me, and a lot more for most DJs.

- It's preparatory. I feel much more comfortable and ready post-read.

- It's fun. Light, witty writing.

- It's no-bullshit. It gets to the point and doesn't snow you.

The authors' love of music comes through loud and clear too. If you're a DJ, or want to be, because you love music, and I hope you are, you're in good company.

It's a small thing, but I really enjoyed some of the side quotes from famous DJs.

It is a product of its time, and some details are a little out-of-date. It talks mainly about vinyl and CDJs – both of which are still in regular use, don't get me wrong. It does talk about digital DJing and MP3s, but it refers to things like Audiogalaxy, which hasn't existed for maybe 15 years. It doesn't mention current, popular DJing software packages – no Traktor, no Serato, no Ableton – because they didn't really exist at the time. You'll definitely need to dip a toe in elsewhere to get current info. (I use Traktor and I like it, if you're looking for a recommendation.) But most of the information is still on point.