Their 1982 LP 4our Clicks is generally regarded as one of the best Dutch albums of all time. The legendary John Peel was a fan of their first two albums in particular. Nasmak became the first Dutch band to do a 'Peel Session' for the BBC.
Established in 1978 as Nasmaak (Dutch for 'Aftertaste'), the group slightly altered its name in 1979 because they no longer wrote in Dutch. The word Nasmak doesn't exist in Dutch, but indicates how an English-speaking person would pronounce Nasmaak.
Closely associated with the Amsterdam-based Ultra movement, Nasmak released four fully-fledged LPs during their six year existence: Nasmak Plus Instruments / Instruments Plus Nasmak (1980), 4our Clicks (1982), Duel (1983) and Silhouette (1983). They also released three cassettes of experimental music, entitled Indecent Exposure, volumes 1 to 6 (1981-1982). Nasmak split up in 1984.
The band's core line-up was: Henk Janssen (guitar, vocals), Joop van Brakel (vocals, guitar), Theo van Eenbergen (bass) and Toon Bressers (drums). The band had several collaborators during their existence, notably Aad van Vught (bass), Koen Ankers (bass), Milco Bogard (guitar) and Truus de Groot (vocals, crackle box).
Truus de Groot worked with Nasmaak in 1978. She had a musical project of her own called +Instruments. She moved to New York in 1981 and established a New York incarnation of +Instruments, which featured Lee Ranaldo (later of Sonic Youth) for some time.
Nasmak reformed in 2018, not to perform 'greatest hits', but to create new music under a slightly altered moniker: the new incarnation is formally called Nasmak PM, with PM meaning 'Plus Minus' or 'Perpetuum Mobile'. The first album of music under the new moniker was PM 1: Perpetuum Mobile: It's Long Since You Last Did Me (2023), volume 1 in the so-called PM Series. Nasmak PM released will be listed on streaming platforms under the original Nasmak name.
EYES
Nasmak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
blue eyes, brown eyes, green eyes, grey eyes quite a variety of eyes
mouth for dinner kissing mouth for kissing
mouth for scratch my back mouth for put me down mouth for argument mouth for patch it up mouth for gossip
mouth for breaking hearts in two
hands for dinner
hands for kissing
hands for scratch my back hands for put me down
hands for patch it up
hands for gossip
hands for breaking hearts in two
eyes
they do whatever I like do whatever I like
In the song "Eyes" by Nasmak, the lyrics begin by highlighting the diversity of eye colors - blue eyes, brown eyes, green eyes, grey eyes - suggesting an array of visual experiences and perspectives. The emphasis on different eye colors sets the tone for the overall theme of variety and individuality. The lyrics then shift the focus to the mouth, portraying it as versatile and capable of multiple actions. It mentions kissing, scratching backs, putting others down, engaging in arguments, gossiping, and even reconciling differences. This juxtaposition of intimacy and conflict in relation to the mouth hints at the complexity of human communication and relationships.
Moving on to the hands, the lyrics similarly explore the multifaceted nature of touch and action. Hands are described as being used for various purposes such as dining, kissing, comforting, hurting, arguing, reconciling, and spreading rumors. The repetition of these actions with both the mouth and hands underscores the idea that human interactions can encompass a wide range of emotions and intentions. The mention of breaking hearts adds a layer of emotional depth to the lyrics, suggesting that these actions can have profound consequences on others.
The repeated emphasis on eyes throughout the song signifies a sense of agency and control over one's choices and behavior. The refrain "Eyes, they do whatever I like, do whatever I like" can be interpreted as a declaration of self-determination and autonomy. It suggests that the singer is aware of the power they hold in their gaze and how they choose to perceive and engage with the world. By asserting that their eyes do whatever they like, the lyrics convey a sense of confidence and agency in navigating interpersonal relationships and interactions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Eyes" by Nasmak depict a complex exploration of human connections and behaviors. Through the imagery of different body parts and their varied uses, the song delves into the intricacies of communication, emotion, and agency. The repeated references to eyes, mouth, and hands underscore the multifaceted nature of human experience, portraying a dynamic interplay between intimacy, conflict, and self-expression. By examining the ways in which we see, speak, and touch, the lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the subtleties and complexities of human relationships and the choices we make in navigating them.
Line by Line Meaning
blue eyes, brown eyes, green eyes, grey eyes quite a variety of eyes
There are many different types of eyes in the world, showing diversity and uniqueness.
mouth for dinner kissing mouth for kissing
Using the mouth for both romantic and practical purposes, such as eating and showing affection.
mouth for scratch my back mouth for put me down mouth for argument mouth for patch it up mouth for gossip
The mouth can be used for both positive and negative interactions, ranging from support to conflict.
mouth for breaking hearts in two
The mouth's words and actions can lead to emotional pain and heartbreak for others.
hands for dinner
Hands are used for practical tasks like eating.
hands for kissing
Hands can also show affection through gentle touch and contact.
hands for scratch my back hands for put me down
Hands can provide comfort and support, but also have the power to criticize and hurt.
hands for argument
Hands can be used in conflicts and disagreements.
hands for patch it up
Hands can also be used to mend relationships and fix problems.
hands for gossip
Hands can be involved in spreading rumors or information about others.
hands for breaking hearts in two
Hands can be the cause of emotional pain and heartbreak for others.
eyes they do whatever I like do whatever I like
Eyes have the power to see and perceive things, and can be used to manipulate or fulfill personal desires.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANTONIUS P P TOON BRESSERS, GEERTRUDA MARIA DE GROOT, HENDRICUS JOHANNES ANTHONIUS JANSSEN, JOHANNES F JOOP BRAKEL VAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind