My son introduced me to this group about 10 yrs ago; they are an amazing group of talented musicians, the young lady on the trumpet makes it sing by itself. I only hope that they can tour Australia again one day so that I can see them live. I am now 73, and play their music every day.
I know people have been commenting on her voice, but to me, it's more of a style of singing, and something that possibly could be an accent from her native land (unless I'm wrong on that specific point).
Like many others, I too was surprised at the choppy quality of Nanna's singing. I still think she's quite talented; an amazing songwriter with a fair voice. I personally think her overall sound would be better if she held out some of the notes the way they do in the radio version, but I am in love with her inflections on the word "lion". People should remember that the members of this band are from Iceland, and probably speak English as a second or third language, not to mention grew up in a different musical style than what we're used to in America. Cut some slack :P
I do. I'm a trumpet player. She's amazing! One of my fave things about this band is the trumpet. It's my favorite instrument and has such a beautiful sound.
Taking over this town, they should worry But these problems aside I think I taught you well That we won't run, and we won't run, and we won't run And in the winter night sky ships are sailing Looking down on these bright blue city lights And they won't wait, and they won't wait, and they won't wait We're here to stay, we're here to stay, we're here to stay Howling ghost they reappear In mountains that are stacked with fear But you're a king and I'm a lion-heart A lion-heart His crown lid up the way as we moved slowly Pass the wondering eyes of the ones that were left behind Though far away, though far away, though far away We're still the same, we're still the same, we're still the same Howling ghost they reappear In mountains that are stacked with fear But you're a king and I'm a lion-heart And in the sea that's painted black Creatures lurk below the deck But you're a king and I'm a lion-heart And as the world comes to an end I'll be here to hold your hand 'Cause you're my king and I'm your lion-heart A lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart A lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart Howling ghost they reappear In mountains that are stacked with fear But you're a king and I'm a lion-heart And in the sea that's painted black Creatures lurk below the deck But you're a king and I'm a lion-heart A lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart A lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart, a lion-heart
You can just see in their facial expressions how happy the band is to be together. They make amazing music not only because they're amazing in general but because they're happy to be where they are.
Am I the only one who thinks that "you're a king and I'm a lionheart" isn't coincidentally an anagram for "you're aching and I'm a lying heart" ? I swear, their artistry is pure genius!!
This band is amazing. we are lucky to have experienced them. Even if they never record another album, we are fortunate to have been given what they gave us of there talent and passion. I hope they record another album. They have a uniqueness and talent that is very hard to find today. Of Monsters and Men have already made their mark. They have touched me and many others. They have nothing left to prove. Everything after this is just a bonus.
I totally love her opening vocal style! I saw a couple of other videos and thought they were pretty ok. But it wasn't until I saw this one that they impressed me. I am way older than many of you and have been really into a few different musical forms, from glam in the early '70's to punk and goth in the 80's, grunge in 90's, Sigur Ros in the 00's to old soul and Lana Del Rey now. So hearing this girl trying out something risky and new that sounds compelling is cool! Unless of course, she isn't and is just having an off night... then nevermind! ;) They are very good. There seem to have been many young musicians doing a similar style of music in many places, like this. Here in the northwest we have Junkyard Amy and the Swillbillies. Very similar in that they are drawing from primarily a hillbilly style of folk music that is being informed by classical instrumentation and movements, with edges of punk in the vocals and perhaps guitar or stand up bass. Anyone else have local musicians doing similar?
I agree with someone who praised the blend of Nanna's and Ragnar's voices, and I like her accent. Some of my ancestors are Nordic and Sami, so maybe that explains why I like this music.
There are songs that you listen to just because they sound good...and then there are songs that tell a story...this song is an experience, and one that tells a story. This song is fantastic and I love this group!! Extremely talented
For all of you making fun of Nanna's voice, imagine how hard it must be for the studio to edit her voice so much, it barely even sounds like her. It goes to show how brave she is because the studio has created this voice for her that isn't hers and then she has to deal with the blunt end of the knife because others expect her to sing the voice the studio gave her. I just think it's wrong for others to judge Nanna because of things that others did to her.
I like both. A lot of people seem to dislike when live and album version of songs are different, but for me that's the appeal of live. Get a smooth and very carefully created sound on the album version, and get a more raw and interesting take from live.
That's a really good point; I love Nanna's voice, but I'd never really thought of it that way. I wish they hadn't edited her so much. She (and all of them) sound amazing :D
+Piper Beadia I feel like she brought her voice down a notch on the new album and in her subsequent live appearances, so that it sounds richer and more natural, and IMO even more beautiful and expressive. I already loved her voice on the first album and these earlier live performances, but love it even more now.
(Forgive me if my comment leans too close to sounding hipster-ish) But I truly love this type of music, because unlike a lot of the mainstream "music," you can hear and actually feel the emotion and honesty in Of Monsters and Men's music. Thank you for sharing your souls with us through your incredible music!
this is to say piss off to all of you who criticize her singing. it is hauntingly beautiful. it is not likely english is her native language. i would like to see all of you critics post your version of the song in English then Icelandic.
I think it's even more impressive that she sings so beautifully in a foreign language (for her)! All of the live performances I've seen them play have been amazing!
A great band. I hope they are living a good life and when they feel down or depressed they remember that someone somewhere is listening to their music and feeling better because of it. Great band.
Watching them look at each other and smile as they say 'But you're a King and I'm a Lionheart' makes this song special to me. It's like they are singing this song to each other!
I was a little dissapointed when I heard the studio stuff vs this stuff. I wish they hadn't edited her voice as much, I really like the sort abrupt way she breaks off the high notes. Maybe it's just me.
This group "caught my ear" from the first time I heard them....very European and resembles the Cranberries...but no, not really. Is it the" Icelandic" thing, perhaps. All I know is I love this music...'could listen all night.
+PETER BERG where it really counts is when the money is divided up. at this point she's just a session player and doesn't have to be included when the big money comes in, just saying.
Nanna you have one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Ragnar, Having one of the most powerful names in the world, you also have one of the most beautiful voices as well.
I often listen to these versions rather than the official lyric videos and VEVO ones because there's usually far less or no editing used. I wish people would stop editing all our music so much...
I came here once making fun of her breaky voice, and being surprise that he was fat. I regret those judgments. Even then I love y'alls voices, but I feel bad about making the comments before.
I'm an old fart with roots in the 60's & 70's rock and roll and i have found this band to be so refreshing. They don't need a studio or profanity to sound great. Excellent, just f$&@ing excellent!
I totally love this band which I only discovered about a month ago. Such talent is so refreshing to hear and see!!! The girl playing trumpet is amazing!!! And the singer's voice is that uniquely beautiful Icelandic sound... as in Bjork
