Discovering the Dutch Pitchfork; Remembering Amsterdam

I believe I have found the Dutch equivalent to Pitchfork - 3 Voor 12. The only problem is that I do not speak Dutch, however Hillary speaks a little and was able to translate some for me.

Amsterdam is absolutely one of my favorite cities - Hillary and I spent 10 days there in Spring 2004. We really did have a lovely time - I could ride my bike through those streets for hours. Generally when it comes to discovering anything cool (be it art, fashion, film or music), I look to Europe for inspiration. While we were there, I got to enjoy the many music video channels the Netherlands have to offer - hearing Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" for the very first time. Hillary also took me to this great record store where I discovered The Stands' "All Years Leaving" and The Ponys' "Laced with Romance" - great records.

One of Hillary's friends in Amsterdam - Merijn Bolink - is quite a remarkable artist, and we had the opportunity to spend some time in his studio:


Merijn also turned me on to Dutch rapper Extince, whose album "Binnelandse Funk" is really top notch.