25 Records of Christmas, Day 25: Of Monsters and Men

There were so many great records this year. I say that every year, but 2012 was definitely a big year for new artists. Normally I keep new artists and established artists separate, but the new bands this year were so good they made my top list of 25. It’s sort of like a writing muse, when it won’t get off your back until you give it the time its due. My #1 album of the year is from a band that garnered a lot of buzz late last year, and I’ll admit, I believed the hype. And boy, do they live up to it. Of Monsters and Men, with their debut My Head Is An Animal.

Have you ever wanted to go to Iceland? Well, Of Monsters and Men are from there, and the debut record sounds like an Icelandic soundtrack. I imagine the type of music you might hear if you head out there would match what the band does both in the studio and live. This record is just pure fun, passionate indie-rock, with lots of ship sounds, creating that soundtrack. The single, “Little Talks” is quite the popular track, and for good reason. It’s not like a regular pop single; it actually has heart. “Slow and Steady” is a particularly stand out cut, with deep percussion and an airy disposition, mixing with Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir’s soft vocals. 

Of Monsters and Men's debut is easily the best record of the year.

The lyrical content is very fairytale-esque, with songs like “Dirty Paws” telling of a lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) journey through a forest. Similarly, “King and Lionheart” talks of creatures lurking below the deck, and co-singer Nanna’s sweet vocal styling matches the song perfectly. The harmonies between Nanna and her counterpart Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson work beautifully. Take a listen to  the upbeat “Mountain Sound”, with its heavy gang vocals and jam-style structure and see if you don’t start dancing around the living room. 

“Six Weeks” is a song that will get stuck in your head for days, similar to lead single, with a large bridge build-up and solid drum sounds behind the track. “Love Love Love” takes on the simplistic nature of describing a hard breakup, with some hard lyrics and a sound that dives deep into the mind. “Maybe I am a crook / for stealing your heart away / and maybe i’m a crook / for not caring for it / and maybe I’m a bad, bad, bad, bad person / well baby I know / because you love, love love / when you know I can’t love.”

I fell in love with Of Monsters and Men this year. The songs are so emotional and have this real feel to them I just couldn't avoid. The entire record has so much depth and soul to it, creating an experience unlike any other I had with other albums this year. Studio and radio sessions online really give them another level of musicianship, so be sure to check those out. The band was recognized as one to watch for 2012, and their debut was one of the most anticipated by many music critics. What I found interesting was, after it came out, much of the hype stopped, or at least slowed. I think the band was definitely worth the spectacle that was made of them, and My Head Is An Animal is an album that anyone can enjoy.