For an international perspective on my Imperfect Produce reviews, I would like to take you to my native country, the Netherlands, this time.
Last week, my LinkedIn feed showed scenes of a container filled with over 15,000 pounds of zucchini. While that may already impress you, these vegetables were all “food rejects” waiting for a home. On a sunny day in Amsterdam, this imperfect produce took center stage in Dam Square.
“Body” is a no-holds-barred pre-summer anthem from Loud Luxury, a DJ duo from Canada. This track also has a Dutch touch to it, as Armin van Buuren released it through his record label Armada Music.
The single version of “Zoutelande” is a collaboration between Dutch band BLØF and Flemish singer Geike Arnaert. This is the first time for Arnaert to sing in Dutch. Her previous work for both Hooverphonic and her solo career has always been in the English language.
Zoutelande is a small town in the Dutch province of Zeeland, but the original version of the song is about Frankfurt Oder in Germany. BLØF’s bass player rewrote the lyrics, while keeping the essence of the song. It’s about trying to entertain yourself in somewhat of a dreary place, without having much money or things to do.
After last week’s trip to Italy, we are going to the Netherlands today with another rapper. Ronnie Flex is a big part of the ever-growing wave of Dutch rap/hip-hop (Nederhop) acts. It’s great to see such a resurgence of national music in the charts. “Blijf Bij Mij” features guest vocals from Maan, who herself is a rising star after winning the Dutch version of The Voice. If the bit that Maan sings sounds vaguely familiar to you, then you are right. It’s based on “Dilemma” by Nelly and Kelly.
