If Eric Otero’s DJ career were a song, it would be an oldie. He’s been working since he was 9; he’s now 28. He’s heard a lot of tunes in those years. Here are some records he loves when working, and when not.

Steely Dan, Gold: Incredibly lauded band from the 60s and 70s. This is one of their greatest hits albums. A must have, for sure.

George Benson, 20/20: One of my favorite smooth jazz artists of all time. This record I will play any chance I get. It’s very rare that I find a 12-inch and every song is good. This is one of them. 

Various, Fast Times at Ridgemont High Soundtrack: The first track is Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby.” I have his entire discography, but I’ve never found “Somebody’s Baby” besides on this album. It’s an incredible soundtrack, casually with like a bunch of bangers on it. 

Grover Washington collab with Bob James: This is a collaboration between two of the best jazz artists of all time. A timeless record.

Keith Whitley, L.A. to Miami: If I’m playing a house music show, the entire way there, I’ll listen to country or a podcast as a palate cleanser.

Marvin Gaye, Dream of a Lifetime: This was released after his death. One song, “Masochistic Beauty,” he sang the entire song in a British accent, which is super nuanced and pretty cool. Highly recommend. 

Nu Genea, Bar Mediterraneo: This is a 12-inch, Italian disco record that got me into a lot of world sounds. You will not hear this anywhere else. 

The Weeknd, Dawn FM: This is a Top 40 album, but every song on this is incredible. It’s also a really good palate cleanser for my house music sets. 

Vansire, The Modern Western World: They produce all their records out of a van and they’re also a synth band, so a lot of their stuff is synth-based pianos, vocal, vocoder, guitars. It’s only three guys but they make it sound like a full band completely jamming out. 

MF Doom, Mmmm, Food and Doomsday: These are classics by a timeless rap artist. Everyone should have these in their collection. It’s non-negotiable.

Glenn Jones, “Show Me”: I got this single for $1.00 in Brooklyn. It’s an incredible set starter – it’s got “Show Me” and “On the Floor” from Jones’ Finesse. “Show Me” is a slept-on song that everyone should also have in their collection. 

Japanese Breakfast, Jubilee: This is a timeless record. I love all their records.

Unknown, Unknown: This 1 of 25 in the world, from a Spanish record shop that presses LPs from local artists, but they only press them in 25 copies each. It’s a white label, so you don’t know if it’s A or B [side]. I signed this side as the A-side, and this is the side that I gig. The B side is more “special time, special place.” What are they called? Couldn’t tell you, but this does not leave my crate.

Eric Otero just released a new EP, Let’s Get to It, on all platforms.