In the Dutch Mountains

About the album

After the release of their meticulously assembled and produced previous album, Henk (1986), which ended up sounding somewhat lifeless, the band decided to go back to basics and record this, their next album, live to two-track in their own rehearsal space to, in their own words, "reproduce the special atmosphere of a Nits concert". As a result, the songs sound far more sparkling without becoming rough or rushed.

Lyrically, singer Hofstede delves into his childhood memories, conjuring up a vision of childhood life in the Netherlands in the 1950s and 1960s. The album cover reflects this, featuring actual historical Children's Benefit stamps. Even though they resemble young versions of all four band members, they are in fact real Dutch stamps from 1951.

In the Dutch Mountains was the Nits' most successful album to date and the first to gain a UK release. Its lead single and title track was a reasonable hit across the European continent, and is considered their signature song. In the Netherlands, two more singles were pulled off the album, "J.O.S. Days" and "The Panorama Man".

Track listing

All tracks written by Hofstede, Stips, Kloet.

Side A

1. In the Dutch Mountains – 3:26
2. J.O.S. Days – 3:13
3. Two Skaters – 6:51
4. Pelican and Penguin – 3:57
5. In a Play (Das Mädchen im Pelz) – 3:35
6. Oom-Pah-Pah – 1:21

Side B

1. The Panorama Man – 3:29
2. Mountain Jan – 4:41
3. One Eye Open – 3:16
4. An Eating House – 5:53
5. The Swimmer – 3:50
6. Good Night – 2:42

In 2010 a legal vinyl re-release came out on the Music On Vinyl label which added three extra bonus tracks, also available on the cd release, and an etching.

Side C

1. Strangers Of The Night - 4:27
2. The Magic Of Lassie – 1:37
3. Moon And Stars – 4:31

CD release

1. In the Dutch Mountains – 3:26
2. J.O.S. Days – 3:13
3. Two Skaters – 6:51
4. Pelican and Penguin – 3:57
5. In a Play (Das Mädchen im Pelz) – 3:35
6. Oom-Pah-Pah – 1:21
7. The Panorama Man – 3:29
8. Mountain Jan – 4:41
9. One Eye Open – 3:16
10. An Eating House – 5:53
11. The Swimmer – 3:50
12. Good Night – 2:42
13. Strangers of the Night – 4:27
14. The Magic of Lassie – 1:37
15. Moon and Stars – 4:31

The band

Additional musicians

Technical staff