Album Review: In Griekenland by De Sjawi's – A Pop Gem from 1990
Alright, let’s talk about In Griekenland, the quirky pop album by De Sjawi's that dropped back in 1990. Released under RWB and Dureco labels in the Netherlands, this little slice of musical history feels like a time capsule from an era when synth beats ruled the airwaves. The whole thing was basically a one-man show—Aad Klaris wrote it, produced it, arranged it… heck, he probably even made coffee during recording sessions! But don’t let its DIY vibe fool you; there’s something oddly charming about how raw and unpolished it all sounds.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that stuck with me: “Een Oud 2 C.V.Tje” and the title track, “In Griekenland.” First off, “Een Oud 2 C.V.Tje”—man, what a bop. It’s got this catchy-as-hell melody that sneaks up on ya. You think it’s just another retro tune until suddenly you’re humming it while brushing your teeth at 7 AM. The lyrics are kinda playful too, talking about old cars or engines (I’m not entirely sure), but honestly? That’s part of its charm. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it super fun to listen to.
Then there’s “In Griekenland,” the star of the show. This track is pure nostalgia wrapped in a sunny Mediterranean vibe. It’s like Aad decided to pack his bags for Greece but ended up writing a song instead. There’s a certain warmth to the production—it’s simple yet effective, with these lush harmonies that make you wanna grab a frappé and chill by the sea. For some reason, every time I hear it, I picture myself driving down a dusty road somewhere near Athens. Weird, right? But hey, that’s the power of good music—it paints pictures in your head without trying too hard.
What really stands out about In Griekenland is how laid-back and genuine it feels. It’s not trying to be anything fancy or groundbreaking—it’s just a bunch of tunes made by someone who clearly loved what they were doing. And yeah, sure, it might not have aged as smoothly as other albums from the '90s, but that rough-around-the-edges quality gives it character. Plus, it’s refreshing to hear something so unapologetically Dutch in a world full of overproduced pop hits.
So, would I recommend giving In Griekenland a spin? Absolutely. It’s perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons when you need a bit of background music that won’t bore you to tears. Just don’t expect perfection—it’s more like hanging out with an old friend who tells great stories but occasionally forgets their punchlines.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: If Aad Klaris ever decides to re-record this album with modern tech, I hope he keeps all the wobbly synths. They’re kinda the secret sauce, if you ask me.
