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03/25/10 Vera (Groningen)
Discography
03/26/10 Hedon (Zwolle) 03/27/10 Watt Basement (Rotterdam) 03/28/10 Paradiso (main hall) (Amsterdam) 04/03/10 P3 (Purmerend) 04/11/10 Mezz (Breda) 04/24/10 't Beest (Goes) 05/01/10 Handelsbeurs 'Kraakpand 4.8' 05/21/10 Luxor Live (Arnhem) 08/07/10 Schollenpop Festival 08/07/10 Zandrock Festival (Belgium)
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Bettie Serveert is back with their ninth album, Pharmacy of Love, released today, March 23rd, on Second Motion Records. You can grab a free download of "Deny All" via the widget provided below, or head over to to their record label's website.
As you can tell, the song is upbeat and punchy and shows no signs of slowing down for this longtime band. I have seen the band in concert before, and hearing this song, I can tell that it's going to be a crowd favorite.
Just to give you a little background on how long Bettie Serveert's been around, they were originally formed in 1986. Named after tennis player Betty Stöve, for "Bettie serves". My first year that I was at KFSR 90.7 as a DJ, I came across this then-unknown Dutch band with their debut album, Palomine, via the music director, before it was released to the public. After previewing the album, I knew there was something special about the band. It was cool to see Bettie Serveert's videos made it on MTV's 120 Minutes, so I knew they had made it then.
Since leaving the radio world, I have not kept up with the band. I got back into music in a big way with Attagirl (and ultimately to Bare Stripped Naked). I've noticed one thing: they do great cover songs. From Velvet Underground to Bright Eyes to Belle & Sebastian, it's clear to me that the band keeps up with contemporary indie/pop music as well as adore classic bands.
The first time I saw the band live, they did this cover of Bright Eyes' "Lover I Don't Have to Love", and I thought it was just one of the best song, even surpassing the original. Since the song is now sung through a female's perspective, it gives a different meaning to the song. Same feeling goes to their cover of "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying", but sadly I have never seen this done live.� The recording I have is from a Dutch Radio Station.
Anyway, besides from great covers, the other consistent thing about Bettie Serveert is that their music remained relatively unchanged in the past twenty-odd years. This may be because their base members have not changed over time, still consisting of singer/guitarist Carol Van Dyk, guitarist Peter Visser, and bassist Herman Bunskoeke.
My point here is that if you've liked "early" Bettie Serveert, you'll like "newer" Serveert. Listening to Pharmacy of Love, they are still writing great songs. Most of Pharmacy of Love are strong, aggressive rock songs like the previously mentioned "Deny All" and catchy hooks, like "Semaphore" and "Souls Travel" (the later reminds me of 90s alternate rock).
Despite the silly kiddie name of "Change4Me", I really love this song. Combined with Carol's sweet lyrics and lovely melodies, this love song about not changing is actually pretty sad.
My only complaint is that the album feels really short, clocking under 40 minutes. If you can't get enough of Bettie, they also released a digital-only EP Deny All, via iTunes. This EP contains an extra-extra extended version of "Calling" (the version on the album starts off with about three minutes of experimental quirks and noises), an alternate version of "Souls Travel" and a new song, "Waiting for Control".
Be on the look out for the band to go touring in the US for Pharmacy of Love. I will, of course, make it out to see them if they do come back to Minneapolis. Tip for new fans: the band makes an effort to autograph their album if you stick around 10 minutes after the show. It's something that they've been doing for a while now, meeting & greeting their fans.
As you can tell, the song is upbeat and punchy and shows no signs of slowing down for this longtime band. I have seen the band in concert before, and hearing this song, I can tell that it's going to be a crowd favorite.
Just to give you a little background on how long Bettie Serveert's been around, they were originally formed in 1986. Named after tennis player Betty Stöve, for "Bettie serves". My first year that I was at KFSR 90.7 as a DJ, I came across this then-unknown Dutch band with their debut album, Palomine, via the music director, before it was released to the public. After previewing the album, I knew there was something special about the band. It was cool to see Bettie Serveert's videos made it on MTV's 120 Minutes, so I knew they had made it then.
Since leaving the radio world, I have not kept up with the band. I got back into music in a big way with Attagirl (and ultimately to Bare Stripped Naked). I've noticed one thing: they do great cover songs. From Velvet Underground to Bright Eyes to Belle & Sebastian, it's clear to me that the band keeps up with contemporary indie/pop music as well as adore classic bands.
Anyway, besides from great covers, the other consistent thing about Bettie Serveert is that their music remained relatively unchanged in the past twenty-odd years. This may be because their base members have not changed over time, still consisting of singer/guitarist Carol Van Dyk, guitarist Peter Visser, and bassist Herman Bunskoeke.
My point here is that if you've liked "early" Bettie Serveert, you'll like "newer" Serveert. Listening to Pharmacy of Love, they are still writing great songs. Most of Pharmacy of Love are strong, aggressive rock songs like the previously mentioned "Deny All" and catchy hooks, like "Semaphore" and "Souls Travel" (the later reminds me of 90s alternate rock).
Despite the silly kiddie name of "Change4Me", I really love this song. Combined with Carol's sweet lyrics and lovely melodies, this love song about not changing is actually pretty sad.
Be on the look out for the band to go touring in the US for Pharmacy of Love. I will, of course, make it out to see them if they do come back to Minneapolis. Tip for new fans: the band makes an effort to autograph their album if you stick around 10 minutes after the show. It's something that they've been doing for a while now, meeting & greeting their fans.
�03/23/2010 12:02:56�♥ vu (
) ♥ bettieserveert.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com�
