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  • Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir is the lead singer and songwriter for the group.

    Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir is the lead singer and songwriter for the group.

    The Icelandic-band Of Monsters and Men lays claim to song of the year so far with their hit “Little Talks.” From the moment I first heard this track, I was captivated by not only the terrific lyrics, but also by their rhythmic and propulsive music.

    The indie/folk band were musical guests with Zach Galifianakis last week on “Saturday Night Live,” and were spot-on sensational.

    Part-Lumineers, part-Mumford & Sons, the band includes lead singer/guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, co-singer/guitarist Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson, guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, keyboardist Árni Guðjónsson and bassist Kristján Páll Kristjánsson.

    They were a bit more acoustic live on SNL and it certainly worked to their advantage. They totally living up to the growing buzz on the band.

    monsters-men-group

    Hilmarsdottir and Porhallsoon (a dead-ringer for radio personality Uncle Eddie) on vocals were simply sublime and their harmonies were terrific.

    The track, which has popped up in commercials and a few movies, is terrifically produced, upbeat and arty. If you haven’t seen their whimsical video for this song, you must.

    It’s full of fantasy, dragons and animation and has got to be one of the year’s best so far.

    The live performance of “Little Talks” was superb. They also played “Mountain Sounds” from their debut album, My Head Is An Animal. The album hit No. 1 in Australia, Iceland and the US Rock and Alternative Charts.

    They’re the biggest musical surprise of the year; also, check out “King And Lionheart” on their album… brilliant!

    Johny Saade: Star Behind the Stars

    They say that looking good is the best revenge and Johny Saade is fast getting the reputation as the makeup artist to see for red carpet appearances, movie premieres and galas. He’s worked with Kate Walsh, Debbie Gibson, L’Wren Scott, Rob Lowe and Bonnie Raitt. He was at last week’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner and will be in Cannes, France for the Film Festival. He is without a doubt a star on the rise. Check him out here.

    Names in the News

    Nicholas Lampiasi, Gary Gershoff, Pat Monaco, Dennis Crowley, Micky Dolenz, Randy Alexander, Buzz Aldrin, Richard Belzer, David Salidor, Uncle Eddie, Jane Blunkell, Keith Girard, Tony King, Brett Winterble, Marty Lager, Steve Strange, John Luongo, Brad LeBeau, Chip.