De Tweede Musicassette by Het Simplisties Verbond: A Quirky Dutch Time Capsule from 1976
Let’s cut to the chase—this album is wild. Released in 1976 by Het Simplisties Verbond (try saying that five times fast), De Tweede Musicassette feels like someone took a blender to pop music, parody, and schlager, then added a dash of absurdity for good measure. It's not your typical "turn it up loud and forget your troubles" kind of record. No, this one makes you think, laugh, and occasionally cringe—all while tapping your foot.
The whole thing comes out on Simpelpee Records, which sounds suspiciously like something they came up with after too many cups of coffee. And honestly? That fits perfectly. This isn’t polished studio magic; it’s raw, unfiltered fun made in the Netherlands—a country known more for windmills than weird concept albums. But here we are.
Now let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me. First off, there’s “I Wanne Fuck.” Yeah, you read that right. Before you clutch your pearls, though, it’s less sleazy anthem and more tongue-in-cheek commentary. The lyrics bounce between awkward declarations and playful wordplay, leaving you unsure whether to blush or bust out laughing. I mean, how can you not remember an awkwardly honest tune like that? It’s catchy as hell but also kinda brilliant because it doesn’t take itself seriously—even when talking about… well, serious stuff.
Then there’s “Enge Buren” (translation: Scary Neighbors). This one hits different because who hasn’t had nosy neighbors at some point? The song captures that universal dread with campy humor and bouncy melodies. You almost feel bad for the poor souls being roasted in the lyrics, but not really. By the end, you're humming along while secretly plotting ways to avoid eye contact with your own creepy next-door folks. Classic.
Other standouts include “Showbiss,” which pokes fun at celebrity culture before it was cool to do so, and “Rozen, Rumbonen En Rode Wijn,” a romantic-sounding mess that somehow works despite its ridiculous title. Oh, and don’t skip “Jingle S.V.”—it’s short, sweet, and oddly addictive, like eating candy you found under the couch cushions.
What strikes me most about De Tweede Musicassette is how fearless it is. These guys weren’t chasing chart-topping hits—they were making art that felt personal, weird, and totally unapologetic. Sure, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but isn’t that what makes it special? In a world full of cookie-cutter pop stars, Het Simplisties Verbond dared to be different—and damn if it doesn’t still resonate decades later.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re into quirky, nostalgic jams. Just maybe don’t play it around grandma unless she’s got a sense of humor. Final thought? If aliens ever land and ask us to explain human creativity, I’m handing them this album first. Because honestly, no other record screams “weird, wonderful, and wonderfully Dutch” quite like De Tweede Musicassette.
