When we asked Bettie Serveert for their almost two-decade-long take on the Dutch indie rock music scene, vocalist Carol van Dyk candidly replied, "We're the only ones left." This is no small feat. Bettie Serveert hit the scene in the early ‘90s, receiving critical acclaim for their first two albums Palomine (1993) and Lamprey (1995), both released on Matador Records, one-time home to seminal indie-rock artists like Sonic Youth and Pavement. And, for better or worse, those seem to be the only two records that people seem to remember. "We were actually surprised you asked us to do this," Carol confided as we drove through the modernist maze of Java Eiland. The truth is that Pharmacy of Love is good. It's noisy, jangly, poppy and pretty -- it's the record that will make you remember why you loved Bettie Serveert and why you still should. Watch the video below to hear Peter Visser and Carol van Dyk talk about the inspiration for the album (science), what Carol was doing when she wrote "Deny All" (shopping) and how they came up with the cash for the final mixing session (hard labor). You’ll also meet the rest of the band and get a tour of the best spots in Amsterdam from the artists who live there.
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The Bettie's 7 stops for your day in Amsterdam:
Club Paradiso: Used to be a church. Most beautiful venue to watch/play a show.
Java-eiland: Most people know Amsterdam for the beautiful historic buildings, but few know that there is a part of the city where architects were allowed to go crazy. It's on the east side of the centre, behind the Central Station.
De Cantine: The restaurant above the studio where Pharmacy of Love was mixed.
Ijland Studio: Laid back recording studio that has hosted Brian Eno, Pavement and recently, 50 Cent.
Razmataz: Herman Bunskoeke, Bettie Serveert's bass player, is the chef here. It's rumored that his cheescake with it's carmel cookie crust has a cult following.
De Nieuwe Anita: Cool, quirky venue/cafe/bar/salon around the corner from Razmataz owned by former Bettie, Jeroen Blankert. The night we visited Eckhardt was performing.
Lloyd Hotel: Popular hotel with artists and musicians. Recently renovated, each room has been created by a different designer.
Club Paradiso: Used to be a church. Most beautiful venue to watch/play a show.
Java-eiland: Most people know Amsterdam for the beautiful historic buildings, but few know that there is a part of the city where architects were allowed to go crazy. It's on the east side of the centre, behind the Central Station.
De Cantine: The restaurant above the studio where Pharmacy of Love was mixed.
Ijland Studio: Laid back recording studio that has hosted Brian Eno, Pavement and recently, 50 Cent.
Razmataz: Herman Bunskoeke, Bettie Serveert's bass player, is the chef here. It's rumored that his cheescake with it's carmel cookie crust has a cult following.
De Nieuwe Anita: Cool, quirky venue/cafe/bar/salon around the corner from Razmataz owned by former Bettie, Jeroen Blankert. The night we visited Eckhardt was performing.
Lloyd Hotel: Popular hotel with artists and musicians. Recently renovated, each room has been created by a different designer.
Portions of album content provided by All Music Guide © 2011 All Media Guide, LLC ® 1999-2011 Rhapsody International Inc.
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