Alright, let’s dive into Blij Dat Het Morgen Maandag Is by Stampei—a hidden gem from 1979 that feels like stepping into a smoky Dutch discotheque where everyone’s wearing polyester and having the time of their lives. This album is pure vibes: funky basslines, soulful horns, and just enough electronic twinkle to make you feel like you’re floating through space while still keeping your feet on the dancefloor.
First off, the title track, "Blij Dat Het Morgen Maandag Is" (which roughly translates to "Glad It's Monday Tomorrow"), hits hard right outta the gate. I mean, who celebrates Monday? But somehow, Stampei makes it work. The bassline, courtesy of Hans van der Lubbe, slaps so hard it could wake up the whole neighborhood. Paired with Huub van der Lubbe’s smooth-as-hell vocals, this song sneaks up on you. At first, you think, “Oh cool, retro vibes,” but then BAM—it sticks in your head for days. Like, DAYS. You’ll find yourself humming it at random moments, maybe even cracking a smile when Monday rolls around. Who knew Mondays could sound THIS good?
Then there’s "‘T Valt Allemaal Niet Mee"—a slower burner but no less memorable. The guitar work here, especially from Bert Stelder and Nico Arzbach, adds this dreamy layer that feels like watching sunlight reflect off water. And don’t get me started on the brass section! Joan Boeke’s trumpet cuts through like a knife, giving the track an emotional punch that sneaks up on ya. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t try too hard but ends up being unforgettable anyway. By the end, you’re not sure if you wanna cry or grab someone and slow-dance awkwardly. Probably both.
What really stands out about this record isn’t just the music—it’s how alive it feels. You can almost picture the studio sessions: Jan van Vrijaldenhoven tweaking knobs behind the mixing board, Paul Lagaay laying down tight drum grooves, Mark Timmer blowing his trombone till his cheeks hurt. Producer Coen Van Vrijberghe clearly knew what he was doing because everything clicks perfectly without feeling overproduced. There’s grit here, warmth, humanity. It’s messy in all the best ways.
And honestly? Listening to this album feels like finding an old Polaroid photo tucked inside a book you haven’t opened in years. It reminds you of something you didn’t know you missed. Maybe it’s the raw energy, maybe it’s the weird mix of genres, or maybe it’s just that killer bassline—but whatever it is, it works.
So yeah, Blij Dat Het Morgen Maandag Is. A funky little slice of Dutch magic from ‘79 that deserves way more love than it gets. If anything, listening to this makes me wish I had a time machine—not to change anything big, just to go back and see people dancing to this live. Oh, and also…why does nobody talk about Mondays like this anymore? Seriously, we need more Monday anthems.
