Good Good Things

Album review

There’s a private club in Barcelona, “La Crème Gràcia”, that (legally) connects cannabis lovers. The place is cosy and the music which accompanies the swirls of smoke invites you on a kind of journey. Soft productions by French musician Blundetto are particularly popular and are often played on the turntables. Unable to make any profit from their activities and wishing to renew their stock of sound vibrations, the managers told the former Radio Nova programmer that they would finance his recording sessions for a new collection of Blundetto sound nuggets. Taking a look back at his debut album Bad Bad Things (2010) for inspiration, this new record uses all the ingredients of his trademark sound. This record is filled with sensual, varied rhythms and colourful arrangements, many being scented with the rare spices of guests from all around the world. Brazilian Leonardo Marques starts the journey gently on Menina Mulher da Pele Preta before handing over to Moroccan Hindi Zara (Feel the Cold) who returns later to charm us with the soft riddims of Fly High. Elsewhere, elegant brass instruments, deep basses and inspired keyboards create Afro, Latin or Caribbean musical landscapes. On Tengo Fe, the bass, guitar and vocals of Chico Mann (the founding member of Antibalas and the Daktaris) bring to mind the Cuban sun of his origins. Halfway through, Blundetto acknowledges his fans and the Spanish way of life with Sunday in the Club and Barcelona, welcoming New York rapper Crime Apple onto the latter of the two tracks. Relaxation, well-being and escape are the keywords for Good Good Things, an album of sweet grooves that completely lives up to its name. © Benjamin MiNiMuM/Qobuz