Album Review: Tocar El Minino De Mi Vecina by Best Corporation
Released in 1976 under the Movieplay label, Tocar El Minino De Mi Vecina is a vibrant yet eccentric album that blends genres like Funk/Soul, Folk, World & Country, and Electronic with a touch of Disco flair. This Spanish gem from Best Corporation stands out for its bold experimentation and unexpected charm, making it an underrated treasure in the annals of music history.
The album opens with "Mam'Zelle Lola," a track that grabs your attention right away. It's got this groovy bassline that feels like it’s pulling you onto the dance floor whether you want to go or not. The rhythm is infectious—like someone handed the drummer coffee before recording—and paired with lush strings that give it a retro vibe without feeling dated. What makes this song stick? Probably how effortlessly it fuses disco beats with folk-inspired melodies. You can almost picture yourself at a dimly lit club somewhere in Madrid, surrounded by people who are way cooler than you but don’t seem to mind sharing their space.
Then there’s the titular track, “Tocar El Minino De Mi Vecina.” If ever there was a song title designed to make you raise an eyebrow, this would be it. But don’t let the playful name fool you; the composition itself is layered and intriguing. The electronic elements here really shine, blending seamlessly with soulful vocals that sound both nostalgic and futuristic. There’s something about the way the synths swirl around the melody—it’s as if they’re telling a story without words. And honestly, who wouldn’t remember a track with such a bizarrely charming title?
What sets this album apart isn’t just its genre-hopping audacity but also its ability to transport listeners to another time and place. Listening to these tracks feels like flipping through old photographs of a Spain you’ve never seen—a mix of vibrant nightlife, rustic traditions, and forward-thinking creativity. Sure, some parts might feel a little rough around the edges (hello, minor production quirks), but that only adds to its character.
Reflecting on Tocar El Minino De Mi Vecina, one can’t help but wonder why more people aren’t talking about this record. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t fit neatly into any single category, or maybe it’s simply too ahead of its time. Either way, it deserves recognition for daring to be different. Oh, and fun fact: I bet no other album released in '76 had a song about petting your neighbor's cat—or at least none did it quite so well.
