So I’m, guessing you have all heard the name ‘Of Monsters And Men‘ mentioned on more than one occasion over the course of the summer. If not, then I’m sure you heard the song ‘Little Talks‘ being blasted out of the radio every ten minutes. If you are still answering no and or shaking your head in utter confusion then you must have a) been really busy this summer or b) you don’t own a radio. Either way you are about to hear the song now. Well in a couple of minutes depending on how fast it takes you to read to the end of this post. Well anyway, before I go any further, here is a bit of background on the band (According to Wikipedia)
Of Monsters and Men is a six-piece indie folk/indie pop band from Iceland, formed in 2010. The members are co-singer/guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, co-singer/guitarist Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson, guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, piano/accordion player Árni Guðjónsson, and bassist Kristján Páll Kristjánsson. During their 2012 tour, the band added trumpet player Ragnhildur Gunnarsdóttir.
The band won the Músíktilraunir in 2010, an annual battle of the bands competition in Iceland. In 2011, Of Monsters and Men released an EP entitled Into the Woods. The band’s debut album My Head Is an Animal (2011), peaked at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 album chart and also reached European charts. Its lead single “Little Talks” was a commercial success, reaching the Top 20 in over five countries and No. 1 on US Alternative Songs.
Got all that? Good. For those of you who already know of the band, I am sorry you had to read all that. And for those of you eager to hear the song I’m sorry but this is actually an acoustic version they performed on the BBC during the Reading festival. If you want to hear the original then look them up on YouTube (Little Talks has over 18 million hits so it shouldn’t be too hard to find). The reason I have put up this acoustic version is because I have grown tired of the original (I’m guessing I’m not alone here). This acoustic version casts a new light on the over-played song and also showcases the bands immense talent. Agree with me or not but either way the acoustic version is below. So have a listen and let me know which version (if any) you prefer.
KILO 
23 responses to “A Song For The Weekend: Of Monsters And Men”
Reminds me of noah and the whale. Love that they use so many real instruments, refreshing to see that from bands these days.
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It’s great, it’s in the British charts, it’s exuberant, catchy, quirky.
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from the San Francisco Chronicle, I enjoy both songs but…
Q: While you were away touring and recording, all these Edward Sharpe clones like Of Monsters and Men sprang up. Are you flattered?
A: It’s tough. I heard one of their songs and I thought, this is very, very similar to “Home” – but only in concept. And then I heard another song, and I could literally sing “Home” over it. I did not invent the idea of doing gang vocal “heys” and “hos” through a song. I got it from Ennio Morricone. But that they would take that … Now I don’t want to use that, and that’s sad because that represented our group.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/music/popquiz/article/Magnetic-Zeroes-front-man-Alex-Ebert-3828617.php#ixzz25XsN2oL1
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I haven’t heard it on the radio in the States – but I like it! I found this song as a freebie on iTunes a few months ago and have been listening to it ever since.
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This band is pretty good. I saw them live at the end of August. But there’re just so many folk bands of that kind, I’m not sure they’ll go that much further in the music industry
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One of my new favourite bands! Thanks for sharing the acoustic version, I hadn’t heard it!
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These guys are absolutely brilliant! I really hope they go far in the music industry. They have everything that it takes.
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Yeah I think they will go far enough. Their album seems pretty good also
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Never heard of this band and went straight to You Tube. This will most likely be making it’s way to my playlist very soon! Great post and thanks for the visit – don’t be a stranger 😀
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Its the perfect song for any summer music playlist.
You have an interesting blog, I’m sure I’ll be back.
Thanks for checking out mine.
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Oh no! I sense that I’ll have this song on repeat for a while! Thanks for posting! Cheers!
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You may get sick of it fairly soon. May I suggest checking out their new album.
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Was on my recent faves playlist
Love them!
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That’s cool.
I love the subtle qualities of their music.
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Keelan, I have nominated you for an award!
http://daniielcorey.wordpress.com/to-whom-ive-awarded/
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Cheers for that mate, really appreciate it. Love the award!
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No problem, keep up the good blogging buddy!
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Had not heard of this band, but am happy I know have.
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Glad to hear it. You should also check out songs like ‘King and Lionheart’ by them.
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I recently was pointed towards them and am grateful for it. Great band and a great tune.
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It is easily one of the most recognisable songs of the summer.
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I love this band. I think that they have a lot of potential. Thanks for sharing!!
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Yeah I look forward to seeing where they go next. I am sure they have a few more good singles up their sleeves!!
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