Arie L. Ekster is the name of a magpie who washed ashore as a wounded foundling at Ellen ten Damme. One of the songs on this album is dedicated to this 'way too clever fake canary'. It is typical of Ellen ten Damme, because the singer often sings about striking subjects. The song Lampedusa, for example, is an open letter to an African boat refugee and there is also a wonderful song about former
… gymnast Verona van der Leur. Three quarters of the lyrics were written by Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and it is a pity that he (for the time being) only writes for Ten Damme, because his language discoveries are sometimes masterful. Just like on her two previous Dutch-language albums, she opts for smart, accessible pop music. Without beats or synthesizers, which gives Ten Damme's music a nice traditional color. There is no less song on Alles Draait. Ellen ten Damme thus remains a unique voice within Nederpop. (PdK)more
