Compilation album

Crammed with intriguing bits and pieces from the the Idiot Records archives -both Dutch and English speaking material- programmed like a radio show: oldies, rare singles, unknown B-sides, unreleased tapes, and commercial jingles. Artists include Paul Tornado, Suzannes, Fay Lovsky ("Fijn voor de Lijn"), Raphaella Dell, Joep Bruijnjé, Jakob Klaasse, EurAbia.

Compilation by Johan Visser. Digital remastering by Emile Elsen.

31-track Album. Released in 1997. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

Van Agt Casanova EP

The single ‘Van Agt Casanova’ of Paul Tornado was the first punksong in the Dutch language. Recorded during one of the longest formation periods in the Netherlands. Dries van Agt, later being the very conservative (but popular) PM of this cabinet, was a real ‘standards and values’ man.

This 3-track EP contains an extra song which was not previously released.

Paul later recorded an entire album for Plurex.

Produced by Johan Visser & Willem Wisselink. Digital remastering by Emile Elsen and Johan Visser.

3-track EP. Released in 1977. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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Collector’s Edition: Nots’ Charlotte Watson’s Wild, Weird ’70s Records

This is one of my favorite records ever — like my favorite record, my favorite song of all time. It’s Paul Tornado’s Van Agt Casanova. It’s a 45, and John Hoppe, the store manager of Goner, bought it as an early birthday present. I just kind of left Discogs open at work and he just…you know [laughs]. I constantly talk about this song and play it all the time on YouTube. Just such a good rock ‘n’ roll punk song, and it’s the only record he ever put out on this label De 1000 Idioten, which is supposed to mean “at least a thousand idiots will buy this.” Paul Tornado fuckin’ rules. That song is so good and funny and fun and it’s a protest song. It’s hilarious, with all the quacking. The quacking is awesome! And the rhythmic laughing! Like “Ha ha ha ha!” I love it. The dude has a real sense of humor. John got it off Discogs from someone in the Netherlands. It wasn’t really that pricey either, except for the shipping costs from the Netherlands. Probably one of the best vinyl gifts I’ve ever received.

Read the whole interview on Wondering Sound

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1) Front and back of the single

2) Honoring Paul Tornado in a Delft blue tile as part of the City Central Heating Building in Enschede

Christmas was a Friend of Mine

Fay Lovsky’s ‘Christmas was a friend of mine’ was recorded (1981) only two months after her studio debut album ‘Confetti’. For the intro of the song, giant tape loops were used. Even today, it is still enlisted in the Dutch Holiday Top 20. Recorded with John Tilly in Hilversum's Bandstand. Fay’s greatest hit to date.

Remarkable feature: Giant tapeloops, with harmony vocals in various keys spinning around empty bottles, played as an instrument via the faders of the mixing console. No samplers in those days!

Produced by Johan Visser.

2-track Single. Released in 1981. Click on cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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1) Original 45 rpm sleeve

2) Cover of the re-release on CD

3) CD Label

4) YouTube: Top Pop. Note: Polar bear is W. Wisselink.

Introducing Mathilde Santing

Her first album. And Idiot’s best selling album by far.

All songs are carefully contructed around her Elka-machine with additional instruments played by Dennis Duchart, Rolf Hermsen and Peter Meuris.

This wonderful debut album contains beautiful versions of a.o. Hunter & Verdi’s Behind a Painted Smile, Lerner & Lowe’s I’ve Grown Accustomed to her Face, Brian Wilson’s Here Today, Dizzy Gillespie’s You go to my Head and Todd Rungren’s A Dream goes on Forever.

Produced by Rolf Hermsen & Johan Visser. Recording engineer: Jaap Brunner. Digital mixing and mastering engineer: Emile Elsen.

10-track album. Released in 1981. Click album cover to enter Itunes Music Store.

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Mathilde Santing is a Dutch singer who recorded covers of artists from Cole Porter to Jimi Hendrix and Randy Newman. 

Despite Mathilde Santings’ extremely careful choice of songs, it actually doesn’t matter what she sings but that she is singing.

There is no Dutch singer who, in the past twenty years, has proven to not only understand every known genre, but also to perform them like a second skin. 

Who had ever thought that the introverted singer who, in the early eighties, played her Elka-machine timidly at her debut on television, would become a star in a Joop van den Ende mega musical and be able to remain herself?

And how come British and American pop-avant-gardists know what Mathilde Santing is doing at this moment?

Those are all questions neither she and/or we have the answers to. 
But it is clear that we are dealing with a very, very particular singer here ..

For actual info go to the:
Mathilde Santing Official Website

It’s The Talk Of The Town

Edison Awarded first album of the orchestra. Twelve sad songs from the thirties and forties including Harry Warren's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and Hoagie Carmichael's "I Get Along Without You Very Well." 

Concept and repertoire: Gert-Jan Blom. Liner notes and art direction by Piet Schreuders, cover illustration by James Avati.

Produced by Jakob Klaase & Johan Visser. Recorded and mixed at Studio Zeezicht by Emile Elsen.

12-track album. released in 1985. Click on cover to enter the ITunes Music Store.

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A "Broken Dream" song is more than just a sad ballad. Its lyrics should reflect both the protagonist's high expectations of lave and his ultimate disappointment; a wish that can never be fulfilled. These are all lonely, forlorn, wee small hours songs, played lo perfection by a group of musicians specifically brought together to render this type of music. The Broken Dreams Orchestra was founded in 1983 by Gert-Jan Blom (formerly with De Snackbarfavorieten, De IJsbrekers and Big Bamboo) and Ton Van Bergeijk (guitarist with The Cup· cakes), who also founded the vocal jive trio The Gangbusters with Frenk Von Meeteren. In 1984 the Orchestra starred in Amsterdam's Boulevard of Broken Dreams Festival (named after the Orchestra}, which is being repeated this year on a much larger scale. The repertoire is put together by Gert-Jon Blom, who as a musical archaeologist unearthed many pre-war gems of broken-hearted songwriting. 

Medicine

Great second Joep Bruijnjé album with guest appearances of Omar Dupree, Steve Glisby, Esther Teule, Peter van Straaten en Jaap de Weyer.

Note: Original LP cover was printed in 4 Pantone colors instead of CMYK.

After this album Joep later recorded the single Typical engineered by Jaap Eggermond. The track is released on the compilation album First Idiots. See home page for iTunes connection. Stills from the video clip .on this page. Card board paintings by Kees Maas.

Produced by Frans Hendriks, Jakob Klaasse & Johan Visser. Recorded and mixed at Studio Zeezicht by Emile Elsen.

10-track album. Released in 1987. Click album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Little Giants

Original studio album plus 3 additional tracks (released as singles).

Produced by Jakob Klaasse & Johan Visser, a JAJO Production for Idiot Records. Recorded at Zeezicht Studios by JP Exalto and mixed by Emile Elsen. Additional musicians: Rob van Donselaar, Frans Hendriks, Jakob Klaasse, The Metropolitans conducted by Gerbrand Westveen. 

Artwork: Photography by Thed Lenssen. Styling by Maruca Beek. Hair by Mario. Outfit by Kamikaze. Specs by York International. Original sleeve­design by Johan Visser and Regine Mateman for Bureau Beekvisser, Amsterdam. Illustration by R. Mikiels. Filed by Fred Broekman. 

9-track Album. Released in © 1984 Idiot Records. Digital remastering at Creative Sound Projects by Emile Elsen and Johan Visser. Click on album cover to enter Itunes Music Store.

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A Dazzling Cascade Of Notes... a sparkling combination of phantom guitars and buzzing saxes.. the blend of a gentle voice with it’s own reflection... these are the hallmarks of music by the Little Giants. It’s magical touch, and every song comes alive with it. In this album the Little Giants strike a mood in blue, also playing familiar strains with a shining, spirited vitality. It’s boundless musical imagination, building unique performances with flawless technique and fantastic electronic wizardry. For all admirers of their spectacularly style, and for those who seek fresh interpretations of the old favorites, here are.... The Little Giants: Mikki on vocals, Robert Kruisman on saxes & vocals, Arti Kraayeveld on guitars & vocals, Willem Hagen on piano, Cousin Bob on bass and Bart Terlaak drums.

Life Is Like A Penguin (always Black & White)

This album is the musical result of their VPRO radio shows.

Cover: handmade CMYK screen dotted illustration by Bert van der Veen.

Recorded 'sound on sound' on Revox A77 and Sony 3-track at The Ark. Produced by Johan Visser and Willem Wisselink.

13-track Album. Released in 1980. Click on album cover to go to the iTunes Store

The original vinyl LP came with a 14-page booklet illustrating each song by artists like Pieter Drayer, Marja Spronk, Wout Lipper, Bert van der Veen, Frans Oosterhof, Geert Voskamp, Paul Silder, Eric de Gram

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So see you that in a place like Amsterdam, Berlin or New York, never something of importance happens, because they there think that they already very good are. The real things happen than also in places in the province like Enschede, where one has an inferiority complex. It’s an awfull place in the East of the Netherlands with ugly, unpleasant and oil-stupid people. But there is for instance very particular music made. I call only the Kewi’s. They made a beautiful LP, where only people in the rest of the world of can dream. Happily can one buy the album via iTunes and needs one not to Enschede to go to hear their music! Roger Clean

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Smithereens are a musical duo consisting of composer / producer / bass player Peter Smid and singer Wendy Sheridan.

7-track Album. Released in 1985. Click on album cover to go to the iTunes Store

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Peter Smid got his first guitar on his 10th birthday. Inspired by musical heroes Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers and The Shadows, he became musically active himself. In 1975 he formed the house orchestra for Amsterdam’s famous pop temple, Paradiso, a band later integrated into VPRO Radio’s music department. As VPRO’s Houseband they worked with the legendary Dr. John, who was quite impressed by the combo’s virtuosity. The Houseband also recorded the albums Numero Uno, Sympatico and Hot Enuff, featuring the hit songs “Dancing Shoes” and “Don’t Lose Your Love.”

In 1981 Peter Smid once again found himself in the pop charts, this time as leader of Time Bandits, one of the few Dutch groups with success abroad. Time Bandits’ hits include “Live It Up,” “I’m Specialized in You” and “The Man With the Golden Voice.” Because of musical differences, Peter left the group in late 1982.

Wendy Sheridan was born in New York, moving to Ashbury Park, N.J. – Springsteen country – as a teenager. There she started her singing career, accompanying herself on guitar or banjo. In the late seventies Wendy moved to sunny Key West, Florida, where she became a top attraction. She worked in clubs and theatres, teaming up with a host of musicians playing blues, country, rock, soul and even jazz. She appeared in two films about Key West and lent her voice for countless jingles and commercials, some of which are still being played by Florida radio stations today. 

In 1983 Wendy took a plane to Europe – someone had promised her a contract with a German record company. In Germany she found this to be an empty promise. Possessing little but a Eurail pass, she ended up in Amsterdam, where she made a living by performing in clubs and even in the street. One lucky day she was discovered by Frank Sutherland, who invited her to sing in in a VPRO radio program about the ‘Sound of New Orleans.’ Sutherland played Wendy’s tapes for Peter Smid – and the rest is history: Smithereens was born.

Smithereens’ first joint project was a six-track mini album for Idiot Records simply called 1234 and featuring the single “Guarantee for Love.” The selections were written by Peter Smid together with either J.P. den Tex or Wendy Sheridan. The album was produced by Peter Smid and Jakob Klaasse.

In 1986 Smithereens were forced to change their name since another group (recording for the American Enigma label) was also active under the name Smithereens. As Wendy and the Sensations the duo recorded the single “He’s a Sucker for a Lady.” Flip van der Enden

Arranged, played and produced by Jakob Klaasse and Peter Smid • All vocals Wendy Sheridan • Recorded & mixed at Zeezicht studios Haarlem by Janpiet Exalto • Mixing engineer John Tilly • Additional musicians Frans Hendriks & Joris Alberda drums • Hugo de Bruin Guitar • Tineke Schoenmaker & Anneke van der Poll Backing vocals • Wouter van Bemmel trumpet • Original sleevedesign Johan Visser • Photography Willem Wisselink • Artwork Yvet Anna & Tanja de Vries, Ronald Mulder en regine Mateman • Thanx to Nederland Muziek, Eus, Frank, Maruca Beek, Joyce, Mag & Maggie, Rob van Donselaar • All songs published by Idiot Songs/Warner Chappell, The Netherlands • Digitally remastered by Johan Visser & Emile Elsen at CSP, Bocholt, Belgium.

Terracotta me Baby!
Singer/songwriter Jan Rot said that the only difference between the Sgt. Pepper album and this one is a couple of zeros in sales figures.

With beautiful songs like a.o. Girls on Vacation, Little Asia and Greatest Tut plus some of the most peculiar and remarkable arrangements to date in compositions like Monday, Biggles, or Left/Right, this album is a classic and a must have!

Produced by Johan Visser

14-track album. Released in 1983. Click on top album cover to go to the iTunes Music Store.

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SOME LINER NOTES

With the publication Terracotta me, baby the Kewi University of Swing shows surprizing new in­sights on the phenomenom of swing. For instance Greatest Tut with its 3 against 4 rhythm could mean a great stimulus for the research of swingscience. This song is the best proof against the ruling opinion, that dancing can only be done on tjeek-a-boom and oh-Ia-Ia. Lateron I’ll go deeper into this subject. It’s Less a task for swingscience to come up with predictable answers, rather than to formulate awful difficult questions, like if Girls on vacation comes straight from the heart or from other organs. When hearing the song, all organs, but the heart, start acting in an uncontrolled ‘flubby-dubby’ and in the end can’t possibly remember, what they’ve done.
An overwhelming new view has been published by doctor Maas, who, after a long time of study (some say too long) found strong indications, that a good swinging tune can never come from the human spirit, body or whatsoever. Homo Sapiens itself cannot give birth to more complex tunes than for instance Happy birthday to you. We were only meant to discover what in fact has always been there, like for example the tune of Robin Hood, that was hiding in a black Fender-Stratocaster.

Doctor Maas’ vision is yet disputable. Doremi is undoubtedly a tune with a naïve character; for a talented instrument like a keyboard it’s no harder a job than standing right-up. Still the laboratory encountered unexpected resistance from the instrument, to render the tune the right way; despite the best intentions of the keyboard-operator. By way of punishment for his premature statement doctor Maas is condemned to be guinea pig in an experiment. He will be forced to listen to Right/Left on increasing volume with a full stomach. With this research his rival, doctor Wisselink, hopes to prove his thesis, that swing can easily hold power over normal life, in which event it operates in a very cruel way.

It’s well known, that marches encourage to war. Strangely enough, playing the march Battle of Keek-a-boom to the rats Daisy and Ben, made them burst out in an enthousiastic polonaise. But doctor Wisselink had already convinced many swing-scientists of his thesis as he played Biggles to the guinea pig, doctor Maas. It made him crash a plate! And a second one, until he finally went through his whoIe dinnerset. Which brings me to the subject of evolution in swing. Swing evolutes, if not I’ll eat one’s hat. Tjeek-a-boom and also pook-pook become more and more redundant parts, that represent old-fashioned feelings like Ah, baby let’s dance or Oh Lord, I got the blues. A song like Someone has got a lot of those parts, though doctor Wisselink reacted on that opinion if mine, that I was a bloody redundance myself. Anyway, swing nowadays evolutes in a way that’s far beyond comprehension. To adapt to this development, the university started a -swingtherapy- where students try and turn their stupid incompetence into jolly music. Kewimusic came out as a result of that therapy. It was recorded by six therapygroups at once, that had been isolated, and had no sexual intercourse for eight weeks. This happening brought the swingscience-faculty enough study material for a whole new season. Simon Fritz (1983)

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Let’s talk about KewiMusic. There really has never been KewiMusic before in the history of contempory arts. We had Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Country & Western, Muzak, Beat, Funk, Rockabilly, even Punk, but there was no Kewi­Music yet.
And there they came: two young and modest boys from Enschede, Holland, Kees en Willem, and they made it, they were the first to make KewiMusic.

What is KewiMusic? This question is quite simple to answer: KewiMusic is the only music Kees and Willem are able to play; it’s the only music that counts for them. You hear the Rock ‘n’ Roll roots? You might be right. You hear vaudeville influences? Very well. You hear punk? Could be. But old wave, new wave or medium wave, the only apt description is KewiMusic. Made by Kees and Willem, following the KewiPrinciple in their own, beautiful KewiSchool in Enschede (try that), Holland. Thanks boys for your wonderful contribution to Music. Rick Hall (Rik Zaal, 1980)

Sound on Sound

Idiot Records was founded in the late Seventies during the Punk era. Except for Paul Tornado’s 'Van Agt Casanova and the legendary Suzannes, it soon turned into a typical singer/songwriter label. Sound on Sound was the label’s eighth release and the first in a series of 10 inch albums.

8-track album. Originally released in 1980 and distributed by RCA. Click on album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

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Johan Visser was pointed out to Fay’s music by Rik Zaal, who together with Jan Donkers, Wim Noordhoek and Rogier Proper (at that time) made a show called “De Suite” for VPRO radio, where Johan worked as music producer.

When he met Fay for the first time, hoping to release some of her songs, she had just returned from England where she had recorded for Chrysalis Records. It took some effort on his behalf to convince her that the demo recordings from her home studio sounded better and more ʻpersonalʼ than the extremely professional recordings she played for him. After a careful selection from dozens of demos, Sound on Sound was released only a few months later.

Jona Lewie (hit singles 'Youʼll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties', 'Stop the Cavalry', and a song notorious for having been refused by the Eurovision Song Contest, 'Hallelujah, Europa') had just produced a single for Jan Rotʼs band, Ratata. Before producing Fayʼs first single Party Time, he wrote the following liner notes for Sound on Sound:

“When Johan Visser played me some tapes he intended to release on his record label, I couldn't help being amazed by Fay's music. It is still difficult to believe that so many different and varied ideas are from one and the same person. It is also difficult to believe that her work was recorded entirely on Revoxes because of the many dimensions incorporated into each track, quite apart from the sound and quality which are exellent. Fayʼs music was an experience to listen to and I think the talent that caused it will reach many people before long.”

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1) Original album cover

2) inner sleeve

3) Album cover when re-released via WEA

Songs From The Well

Amsterdam based rock group The Dutch formed this band to accompany singer/songwriter Petra Lugtenburg.

Produced by Willem Wisselink & Jan de Kruijf

8-track album. Released in 1989. Click album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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1) Original album cover

2) First single

3) Second single

Goin’ Out

Jump Dicky Jump is the former band of Dutch pop musician, singer/songwriter Arthur Ebeling. This album contains original Ebeling compositions including "Dark Side of the Road." Featured players: Roland Brunt (sax), Anthonie Broek (guest drummer). 

Musicians Goin' Out: Arthur Ebeling lyrics & music/guitar and lead vocals. Peter Wassenaar upright bass and backing vocals. Jan Robijns piano and backing vocals. Roland Brunt saxophones. Anthony Broek drums.

Musicians Africa: Arthur Ebeling guitar and lead vocals. Peter Wassenaar upright bass and backing vocals. Jan Robijns organ and backing vocals. Roland Brunt soprano saxophone. Mike Meyer drums, percussion and backing vocals.

Both recorded and mixed at Zeezicht studio 1 by Michiel Janssen. Original sleeve design by Johan Visser. Additional artwork by Regine Mateman.

Produced by Johan Visser. 

14-track album. Released in 1987. Click Album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

Nils Wieland

Singer/songwriter Nils Wieland won The Big Award of The Netherlands and writes and performs melodious and thoughtful pop songs with eclectic style elements. Recorded with musicians Peter Warnier (bass), Arno ‘little gull head’ van Nieuwenhuize (drums, percussion, keyboards), Robert Schakel (guitar), Julia Loco (backing vocals) and Guus Janssen (piano). 

Produced by Willem Wisselink & Arno van Nieuwenhuize.

6-track album. Released in 1985. Click album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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1) Album cover

2) Front and back single sleeve

Vogue Estate

Stephen Emmer is a Dutch arranger and musician well known for his TV jingles (NOS News, Studio Sport). This mini album contains music of a dramatic and film-like character. It was recorded with British musicians Billy MacKenzie (The Associates) and Martha Ladly (from the Muffins).

Produced by Willem Wisselink & Stephen Emmer.

7-track Album. Released in 1982. Click on album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Around 2006 Emmer felt a sudden urge to be liberated temporarily from this “musical warzone” and decided to return to his musical idealism of the early years to find what he was searching for: inspiration through catharsis. To that end, he created 17 compositions based on literary text-fragments for a CD called ‘Recitement’, which featured music and modern spoken word performed by famous writers (Allen Ginsberg), singers (Lou Reed) and actors (Richard Burton). The album was mixed and produced in New York City by Tony Visconti in the legendary Looking Glass Studios owned by Philip Glass and featured several musical performers including Blonde Redhead singer Kazu Makino, jazz musician Benjamin Herman, legendary pianist Mike Garson and more.

Emmer is the founder of the Dutch media music prize Music in Motion in association with Dutch copyright society Buma/Stemra and former president of the best Dutch sound award at the Gouden Beelden Awards. A Dutch representative for Eyes & Ears of Europe, speaker and panelist at Promax-BDA events in the US and Europe, a Promax-BDA judge, he is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges of music, art and media academies and serves as music director, composer and producer for the international Holiday on Ice productions ‘Speed’, ‘Platinum’ and ‘Passion’. 

In 2014 Stephen released ‘International Blue’, the successor to his 2007 ‘Recitement’ album.

For more information go to stehenemmer.com

Space Disco EP

The Kewi’s (pronounced as Kaywees) consisted of Kees “Kip’ Maas and Willem ‘Bill’ Wisselink. They started out working for Radio East and VPRO Radio doing sketches and songs. Amongst others the famous: Ikdenkalikdagalwasdatdan.

This is their first release, an EP containing three wonderful songs, recorded on a Sony 3-track (!) and Revoxes, already showing their enormous variety of music styles.
The original record sleeve, a beautiful 3-fold cover, had to be placed with the inside facing, on a desk or table, so the listener could imagine sitting in one’s own space cockpit!

Produced by Johan Visser & Willem Wisselink

3-track EP. Released in 1979. Click on cover to go to the iTunes Music Store.

Automatic Pilot

Die neue Welle: Blaskapelle!
b/w Walk Don’t Walk

Produced by Johan Visser.

2-track single. Released in 1982. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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1) Original single sleeve

2) YouTube: Popmusic from the rising star Fay Lovsky (1982)

Razzle Dazzle

La Salle’s were a Dutch Rock ‘n Roll band who recorded only one single for the label in 1978.. Most members of Lasalle's were Idiot's studio musicians. So it was time to show some gratitude. Commercially they did very well. With the airplay and a TV appearance (like de Gigantjes) they were able to play for months and at a much better price ...

With astonishing names as Helmuth LaSalle, Charles McEngering, Fred B Marcel Earthquake, Frank von S. and Pete “Bougois Kid’ Turner it is no wonder they don’t turn up when you type in their names in Google today.

Pete later recorded several tracks for Idiot but only one ended up on the First Idiots compilation CD released in 1997.

Produced by Johan Visser & Willem Wisselink

2-track single. Released in 1978. Click on single cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Origami

An ambitious album as she calls it herself. And so it was. Second studio album with remarkable orchestrations by Jakob Klaasse (a.o. Window Across The Street, Disney Dust) and Cees Stolk (a.o. One More Time) and one of Lenny Waronker's favorite productions from the Netherlands.

Produced by Johan Visser & Jakob Klaasse.

12-track album. Released in 1983. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

Party Time / Safety Pins

First official studio recording.

Produced by Jona Lewie & Johan Visser.

2-track single. Released in 1980. Click album cover to enter the Itunes Music Store.

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Cees Wessels, then chief executive for RCA records, was quite impressed by the first Idiot releases but also felt that the next batch ought to be recorded professionally. Idiotʼs recordings at that time were ʻsound on soundʼ on REVOX equipment. Publisher Tony Berk contacted Jona Lewie.

Weeks later Johan Visser and Fay found themselves on the cheapest flight to London (a small propellor plane, followed by the worst customs check). At Jonaʼs home, continually feeding coins into the meter for the electric heaters, they discussed the material for three days running. Back in Holland they cut demos at Jaap Brunner's Ballad Sound Studio in Vuren (near Gorinchem) and did the final recordings and mixing at Studio Spitsbergen (near Groningen). Musicians Pieter Draayer (bass) and Fred Bonthuis (drums) provided assistance. The album received considerable airplay, thanks to Idiot supporters Jan Donkers, Wim Noordhoek, Rik Zaal (VPRO), Jan Douwe Kroeske, Felix Meurders, Jeroen Soer (VARA), Vincent van Engelen and Hubert van Hoof (KRO), but it failed to hit the charts.

Not long afterwards, Cees Wessels was fired the American way (“We expect you to have your office cleared by twelve”) and Idiot Records and Fay were once again without a national distributor.

Vitamins

Pop photographer/barber/musician Joep Bruijnjé recorded this album supported by fellow 'Idiots' Fay Lovsky and Mathilde Santing. After all this time, his songs haven't lost any of their willfulness. 

Other guest musicians: Leon Klaasse, Peter van Straten, Robert Jan Stips, Jakob Klaasse, Peter Warnier, Klaas ten Holt, Frans Hendriks, Ed Sterk, Edward B. Wahr, Martin Warmer, Rob Hauser.

Produced by Joep Bruijnjé, Jakob Klaasse & Johan Visser.

Directly (1983!) digitally mastered by Emile Elsen

9-track Album. Released in 1983. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

The Pen (Is The Mightiest Weapon)

Special remix. Fay's final release for Idiot records. She later recorded several albums for BASTA.

Produced by Fay Lovsky.

2-track single. released in 1985. Click on album cover to enter Itunes Music Store.

Too Shy To Love EP

The idiot boss himself with guest musicians Pieter Draaijer, Johannes Bodingius, Fred Bonthuis and Johan Visser.

Recorded ‘Sound on Sound’ at the Ark Studios on Revox A77.

Produced by Willem Wisselink

3-track EP. Released in 1979. Click on single sleeve to enter iTunes Music Store.

Confetti

First (16-track recording) studio album in cooperation with Warner where Fay plays most of the instruments herself + all the lead- and backing vocals.

Special guests: Jan Dries Groenendijk, Fred Bonthuis, Arie Kuit, Ron Limberg, Chris Michie, Cees Stolk, Peter van Straten and Peter Vink.

Produced by Johan Visser.

14-track album. released in 1981. Click album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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When Johan Visser met Arjen Witte of Warner Bros. Music he played him the music he had produced sofar, as well as tapes of future projects. Arjen was certain of one thing: Fay had to do an album. That same afternoon, they founded a music publishing company called Idiot Songs (Where Talent Recognizes Talent) and got to work. Idiot Records was still without a distributor, but Arjen didnʼt see that as a problem: “As soon as this album is finished, we can get a recording contract anywhere!”

The rest is history. Jaap Brunner's Balland Sound became Idiotʼs favored recording studio. They had as many as sixteen tracks, a place to sleep (bring your own stretcher and sleeping bags) and Nescafé. No meddling from outsiders this time. They would do this their own way. The influence of favorite musicians Brian Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Jonathan King and The Beatles became apparent. Each day more people turned up, made enthusiastic by Arjen. One of them was Herman van der Zwan of Warner, Elektra & Atlantic Records. He soon became convinced that Idiotʼs concept was viable, and decided to sign a multiple-year contract, not only with Fay but with the Idiot label itself. The Confetti album went on to win an Edison award and the single “Maggie” reached number 42 in the hit parade.

Lonely Avenue

Second album. Another collection of hair-raising, spine-tingling and heart-breaking songs from past and present, including Victor Young's "Street of Dreams" and Doc Pomus's "Lonely Avenue." 

Concept and repertoire: Gert-Jan Blom. Cover design by Piet Schreuders.

Produced by Emile Elsen, Jakob Klaasse, Gert-Jan Blom

13-track Album. Released in 1986. Click on album cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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Now a long tradition (since 1984) The Parade today still is a traveling fringe festival for contemporary theater and music, accompanied by kooky amusements, good food and drink. 

In the early days The Boulevard of Broken Dreams Orchestra (a 16 piece formation) played the famous Mirror Tent every night during the yearly festival period only. Founded by Gert-Jan Blom, they performed the Great American Songbook.

Gert-Jan also played in The Izzies and The Beau Hunks with whom he did various projects and recorded at least 20 albums. Among others: Edward McDowell`s “Woodland Sketches”. Written in 1896 as a collection of mood pieces for the piano, this suite was newly orchestrated by Lucas Asselbergs for woodwinds and strings. This album was originally recorded in the period when the orchestra recorded their albums for Idiot Records and due for release on Idiot’s sublabel PickUp Records. The Gangbusters (the rhythm section of the BOBD) first album was released on PickUp.

How Gert-Jan seems to be able to stay out of the spotlight is nicely illustrated in this internet Blog: In search of Gert-Jan Blom

Cinema

Third studio Album. With wonderful tracks like Underwater, Peppermint Kisses and Fairy Tales.

First 1.000 albums in special plastic see-through bag.

Produced by Fay Lovsky.

14-track album. Released in 1985. Click on album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Come In Handies/S.O.B.S.

Arnhem based ‘new wave’ band. With a special guest appearance of Hugo Sinzheimer (The Meteors).

During the mix of the A-side, entered Emile Elsen. Probably because he wanted to get to work as soon as possible, he helped out. But as it turned out, in later years, he would become Idiot’s number one recording and mixing engineer.

After the release of this single, recording sessions for an album started, but due to the strange disappearance of the leadsinger, the project never came to a conclusion.

The original 7” vinyl was releasd in a transparant cover.

Produced by Willem Wisselink

2-track single. released in 1980. Click on cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

New Disease / Now Hitpick EP

Suzannes were a punk band from Enschede operating from 1976 to 1978. Influenced by the Ramones they called themselves after the song Suzanne of Leonard Cohen wick was on the repertoire in a punk version. Without an interruption they played all their songs in one go.

Band members: Fedde van der Spoel, Loel Stolwijk, Dick Pekelharing, Klaas Sikkema and Ron da Costa. 

The Suzannes lately seen a revival and have their own Facebook Page.

Produced by Johan Visser & Willem Wisselink

6-track EP. Released in 1978. Click top cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

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I’m not sure, but I believe the full title for this great Dutch EP is New Disease Sells 2000 Copies In Europe!, otherwise the text on the backside of the sleeve makes no sense to me. Anyone here who knows? I’ve only seen it listed as New Disease E.P., but I like the full title a bit better.

6 songs recorded and put to vinyl as early as January 1978, which I think is pretty impressive as not that many bands had that many songs on a 45 rpm 7″ that early (the second EP from the Gizmos is the only other one I can think of right now, although it runs on 33 rpm). All songs are damn good as well! It’s not really something that sticks out, and it’s not the greatest thing from Holland ever, but it’s still a very, very solid record in my opinion. I don’t know if they were regarded as a punk band at the time, but to me they sound like a rougher power pop band with more than one nod to the Rolling Stones and mid 60’s garage rock. Nice melodies, tight musicianship and great melodic vocals. The more times in a row I play it, the more I like it. 2000 copies and pretty easy to find, so pick up your copy as they’re still cheaper than crappier record from the same period. There’s a second pressing with a different sleeve as well, but it seems like that one don’t show up as often as the first press.

Source: Killed By Death Records. Posted by the Faintest idea//Drummer

Ramon

Special Dance Mix by John Tilly. Taken from the Album 'Origami'. With bonustrack 'Tiger'. Produced by Johan Visser & Jacob Klaasse.

2-track single. Released in 1983. Click on album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Dancin' With Tears In My Eyes

The third and last album by the Boulevard of Broken Dreams Orchestra. Album includes Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye", Deborah Chessler’s “It’s too Soon to Know” and Edward Redding's "The End of a Love Affair." 

Concept and repertoire: Gert-Jan Blom. Liner notes and art direction by Piet Schreuders, artwork by Peter Pontiac.

Produced by Emile Elsen, Lucas Asselbergs, Gert-Jan Blom

12-track Album. Released in 1987. Click on album cover to enter the iTunes Music Store.

Wooly Bully

Originally recorded to enter Bram van Splunteren’s Sam the Sham and the Pharaos ‘Wooly Bully’ contest for VPRO Radio.

Kip then had already stopped touring with the Kewi’s (like Brian Wilson) to concentrate more on his artistic work (see award on cover).

The University line-up here are: Robert van Bolderen, Lydian Hiensch and Willem Wisselink.

Produced by Willem Wisselink

1-track single. released in 1985. Click single cover to enter iTunes Music Store.

Kerstmis Met De Ark

IDI 002 - XMAS with The Ark (De Enschedese School) a 33 rpm 7 inch available only for subscribers. 

Why does my candy taste so sour
Place my socks before the chimney
They're so stiff that they can stand free

© 1977 KEWI à Go Go Party Music