(Eyes wide open)

A song for all the people who say they know the answers to all the big questions about our existence, f. ex. happiness, god, eternal live and free will. Written by one who is still searching.


Check out the video for this track @:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDmNGamfUcA 


Song & lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Haraldur Vignir: piano, electric guitar, backing vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: drums, percussion
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: electric bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: acoustic guitar, vocals

Kristján Matthíasson: violin
Sigurgeir Agnarsson: cello 



Augun opnast

Mary Kelly was the last known victim of Jack The Ripper. How often do the victims of unspeakable crimes fade in the shadow of their tormentors?


Song & lyrics: Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson

Haraldur Vignir: keyboards, electric guitar, vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: drums
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: electric bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: electric guitar 



Mary Kelly

(The Silence is listening)

This song was written after one of Sváfnir's troubadour appearances in a local pub in Iceland. It seemed like someone had left the gates of hell opened that night. Crowd of incredible drunk and vulgar people where yelling and screaming all night. Later, safe and sound in his home, he found it wonderful to sit and talk to the silence - at least it didn't interrupt him....



Song & lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson


Haraldur Vignir: keyboards, background vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: drums, percussion
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: electric bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: acoustic guitar, vocals

Guðmundur Hafsteinsson: trumpet 




Þögnin heyrir allt

Plain and simple love song. No more no less.


Song & lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Haraldur Vignir: keyboards, background vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: drums
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: fretless bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: acoustic guitar, vocals 

Þegar augu okkar mætast

Relaxed pop ballad featuring a fretless bass solo.

The song is – quite obviously - about the thoughts that go through your head when you say goodbye to somebody for the last time.

Song &amp; lyrics: Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson
Haraldur Vignir: Rhodes, vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: drums, vibraphone, percussion
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: fretless bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: acoustic guitar, electric guitar



Last Chance to Say Goodbye

Menn Ársins took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in Iceland (semi finals) with this song, called “Gefst ekki upp”.

The song premiered on RAS 2 of RUV on the 11th of January and the semi finals were broadcasted on the 16th, live on RUV (The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service)(Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins 2010)

Basic tracks were recorded at studio Sundlaugin in Mosfellsbær, Iceland and string quartet was later recorded at Stúdíó Sýrland (Hljóðriti) and vocals were recorded at Stúdíó Tónaljós.

Mixing was done by Hafþór “Haffi Tempó” Karlsson at Stúdíó Tónaljós with Menn Ársins.

Mastering by Ian Shepherd.
http://productionadvice.co.uk/about/

Composer: Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson
Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Kjartan Guðnason: drums and percussion
Sigurdór Guðmundsson: electric bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: vocals &amp; guitar
Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: vocals, guitar &amp; piano

Hjörleifur Valsson: violin
Geirþrúður Ása Guðjónsdóttir: violin
Eyjólfur Alfreðsson: viola
Pawel Panasuik: cello

Recorded at: Sundlaugin, Sýrlandi Hafnarfirði og Stúdíó Tónaljósi November 2009 - January 2010. 

Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&amp;z=e&amp;ss=2&amp;w=10144611%40N00&amp;q=S%C3%B6ngvakeppni+Sj%C3%B3nvarpsins+2010+menn+%C3%A1rsins&amp;m=text


Gefst ekki upp

Menn Ársins first official track since 2010's single 'Gefst ekki upp'. 
Featuring Jónas Sig. on vocals.

"Það var nóttinni líkt 
að leika kúnstir 
og kafa allt of djúpt í koffort mín 
og rifja upp gamlar syndir 
og grafa upp gamlar myndir 
eins og enginn sé morgundagurinn. 

Það var regninu líkt 
að falla lárétt 
og flæða inn um glugga bæði og dyr 
og blandast mínum tárum 
og rífa af gömlum sárum 
eins og enginn sé morgundagurinn. 

Það var frelsinu líkt 
að vera fegið 
og finna ekki leiðina aftur heim. 
Með svörtu mála yfir 
þá veiku von sem lifir 
eins og enginn sé morgundagurinn."

released 20 September 2012 

Music/Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson 

Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Vocals, guitar 
Jónas Sig: Vocals
Diddi Guðnason: Drums 
Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Guitars, bass, keyboards 

Recorded @ Benzin Studios and Hljodhamar studios february - june 2012. 
Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Morgundagurinn (featuring Jónas Sig)

Andrea Jónsdóttir og Matthías Már Magnússon fjallar um fyrstu plötu hljómsveitarinnar Menn Ársins sem var plata vikunar á Rás 2 í viku 40 (28. Sept. -5. Okt.) 2008.

Menn Ársins fengu góða einkunn hjá Andreu Jóns í Popplandi á Rás 2

Lag októbermánaðar og nr. 2 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for October - Track no 2 in our 'song-a-month' series...

Mr. Chamberlain 
Hi how have you been 
Ruining other people's lives 

I saw the news today 
Your money went away 
Applied for 'Money Heaven' 

You had it all they said 
And now they want your head 
In a matter of minutes 

And I would feel for you 
But, man, you left me too 
We are kindred spirits 

But I sleep at night like a baby 

Mr. Chamberlain 
Have you ever been 
Full of hope and happiness 

You thought your life's complete 
Man it was short but sweet 
You'd feel a little gratefulness 

But I sleep at night like a baby

released 25 October 2012 
Song/lyrics: Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson 

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals 
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Guitars
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums and percussion 

Recorded @ Hljodhamar studios summer/autumn 2012 

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Mr Chamberlain

Lag nóvembermánaðar og nr. 3 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for November - Track no 3 in our 'song-a-month' series...

Allt líður hjá 
Ekkert er eilíft 
allt er breytingum háð 
Allt líður hjá 
Stundir, mínútur og ár

Allt líður hjá 
Hvert augnablik að lokum 
verður tímans bráð 
Allt líður hjá 
Vonir, hamingja og þrá 

Og mig langar til að vera hér lengur 
Ég þrái að geta dvalið með þér 
En tíminn hann er torsóttur fengur 
Líkt og sandur í lófa mér 
(rennur um fingur mér)

Allt líður hjá 
Þú stígur aldrei tvisvar 
út í sömu á 
Allt líður hjá

released November 28 2012 
Song/lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Vocals, piano, electric and acoustic guitars 
Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Keyboards, acoustic guitars, bass, backing vocals 
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums, percussion, backing vocals 
Þóra Björk Sveinbjörnsdóttir: Backing vocals

Recorded @ Arnarholt, Borgarnes & Hljodhamar studios on many occations between 2011 & 2012

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Allt líður hjá

Lag desembermánaðar og nr. 4 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for December - Track no 4 in our 'song-a-month' series..


Desember

Ég fór einn á fjarlægan stað
hélt að í útlegð þá fyndi ég það,
sem vantaði alltaf og hugur og hjarta
leituðu að.

En tíminn með vopnin sín tvenn
hann bæði kvelur og læknar í senn.
Og hugurinn leitar í sífellu heim
í skinninu brenn.

Svo kem ég í desember
Sé þig í desember
Ég leit’ekki lengur því svarið er hér
Og blasir við mér
Sjáumst í desember
Sjáumst í desember
Og ef ég í augnablik lýk aftur augum
þá dvel ég með þér

Því sá sem að kveður og fer
í fjarlægð oft skýrara hlutina sér.
Og eftir minni ég málaði margar
myndir af þér 

Og þegar stóð ég á ókunnum stað
varð ég að lokum að sættast á það.
Að heima þá biði mín allt sem ég ann
og leitaði að.

Svo kem ég í desember
Sé þig í desember
Tíminn á endanum silaðist áfram
Og nú er ég hér
Sjáumst í desember
Sjáumst í desember
Ég leit’ekki lengur því svarið er hér
Og blasir við mér

Released 28 December 2012 
Song: Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson
Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson and Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals 
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Guitars and backing vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums and percussion

Recorded @ Hljodhamar studio November/December 2012

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Desember

Lag janúarmánaðar og nr. 5 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for Januar - Track no 5 in our 'song-a-month' series.



Skuggablóm

Þar sem spretta af skuggum blóm
Þar sem saklaus hlýtur dóm
Þar falla langir skuggar

Þar sem frelsi er bara orð
Til að fela rán og morð
Og þar sem enginn huggar

Loka aðeins augum
Ekkert illt ég sé
Engan harm nú ótta
Ég lengur ber

Þar sem réttætið er rangt
Og fólk er kvalið ævilangt
Það lokast allir gluggar

Er svo langt í burt' frá mér
Ég er máttlaus hvort eða er
Ég get ekkert gert, ég get ekkert gert
Ég get ekkert hvort eð er




Released January 30th 2013 
Song: Menn ársins
Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson and Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Vocals, Keyboards, guitars, bass, & backing vocals 
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Vocals, guitars and backing vocals
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums and percussion

Recorded @ Hljodhamar studio January 2013

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Skuggablóm

Lag febrúarmánaðar og nr. 6 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for February - Track no 6 in our 'song-a-month' series.


Eyðimerkurborg 

Bál það brann í mínum æðum
stál í augna minna glans
nú er dautt í mínum gömlu glæðum
og gráir eru tónar regnbogans

Sá um brotna, gamla glugga
þrá, sem gróf ég hér og þar
ég er einn á meðal ljóss og skugga
og auðar draumahallir fortíðar

Ó í eyðimerkurborg
allt svo undurhljótt
dag sem dimma nótt
Einn í eyðimerkurborg ég bý

Hey, þú manst þá góðu tíma
Nei, það þekktist ei slíkt svar
Ó hve ljúf var alltaf þessi víma,
konfekt bæði vín og kavíar

Óóó, í eyðimerkurborg
allt svo undurhljótt
dag sem dimma nótt
Einn í eyðimerkurborg ég bý

En kannski kemur þú?
Einn daginn birtist þú?
Kannski kemur þú?
Og við græðum og grillum á ný

Einn í eyðimerkurborg
allt svo furðuhljótt
dag sem dimma nótt
óóó, í eyðimerkurborg ég bý

Óóó, í eyðimerkurborg
allt svo furðuhljótt
er dagur eða nótt?
einn í eyðimerkurborg ég bý





Released February 28th 2013 
Music & Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Baritone Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Bass, keyboards & Ghost Choir 
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Baritone Guitar & Ghost Choir
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums, Timpani, Chimes & other percussion
Selma Rán: Vocals

Drum track recorded @ Arnarholt, Borgarnes march 2011 & 
Everything else @ Hljodhamar studio January 2013

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Eyðimerkurborg

Til hamingju Ingi með að vera sá þúsundasti til að líka við síðuna okkar. Þér var lofað lagi og hér er það (í takmarkaðan tíma þó)...

INGI BJÖRN: Þúsundasti 'lækarinn'

Lag marsmánaðar og nr. 7 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for March - Track no 7 in our 'song-a-month' series.



Sá nýja stjörnu

Sumt sem maður óskar sér
rætist aldrei því er ver
lögmál lífsins stirt og strangt
sjaldnast réttlátt, stundum rangt

Tímann sem að láni tók
úr tilverunnar reisubók
enginn svíkur skiladag
flýr sitt eigið sólarlag

Í nótt, sá nýja stjörnu á himnum
ég veit að hún var þar ekki í gær

Aldan hylur okkar spor
einn ég geng þar næsta vor
dropinn holar harðan stein
minning dafnar ein og ein

Sólarlag við sjávarmál
blærinn drekkur okkar skál
silfurmávar svífa hjá
stundum aðeins út á ská

Og í nótt, sá nýja stjörnu á himnum
ég veit að hún var þar ekki í gær
Í nótt sá ég nýja stjörnu á himnum
og hún skín svo björt og skær

Óska eins að fá að sættast við 
lokadómsins þunga nið
hélt við ættum fleiri ár
fleiri stundir gleði og tár

Og núna hefur skip þitt siglt
verður allt svo lítilsgilt
við sem gengum ekki um borð
eigum ennþá öll þín orð

Og í nótt sá ég nýja stjörnu á himnum
ég veit að hún var þar ekki í gær
í nótt sá ég nýja stjörnu á himnum
og hún skín svo björt og skær


Released April 2nd 2013 
Music: Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson
Lyrics: Sváfnir Sigurðarson

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars & Bass
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Backing Vocals & Acoustic Guitars, 
Kjartan Guðnason: Drums & other percussion

Recorded @ Hljodhamar studio March & April 2013

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson


Sá nýja stjörnu

Lag júlímánaðar og nr. 11 af þeim 12 lögum sem Menn Ársins ætla að gefa út mánaðarlega fram í ágúst 2013...

Menn Arsins' contribution for July - Track no 11 in our 'song-a-month' series.

The Politician

I can ease your pain
Get you whole again
Trust me with your life
And your vote – and you’re clear

I can build you home
Show you how to live
Take your dues and debts
Make ‘em all dissappear

I can be bought
I can be sold to the highest bidder
Tomorrow through next year

I’ve got puppy eyes
A million dollar smile
Face me with a truth
There’s not a thing I can’t deny

But somewhere deep inside
There used to be a soul
The essense of my being
Buried down in a hole

I can be bought
I can be sold to the highest bidder
Tomorrow through next year

Released 4th of July 2013 
Music & Lyrics: Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars & Banjos
Sváfnir Sigurðarson: Acoustic Guitars
Kjartan Guðnason: Parquet, claps & shakers
Þórir Jóhannsson: Double Bass

Recorded @ Hljodhamar studio June 2013

Engineered and produced by Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson

The Politician

Icelandic pop/rock band Menn Ársins (en.: Men of the Year) was founded on 2005 in Reykjavík, Iceland by singer/guitarist Sváfnir and keyboard player/singer Halli (Haraldur Vignir). Their main goal in the beginning was to work on a few songs that Sváfnir had up his sleeve and wanted to work on.
Recordings were made and few of the songs got some considerable airplay on the national radio station. Drummer Diddi (Kjartan Guðnason) has been on board from the early days of the band.

With Sigurdór Guðmundsson joining the band on bass, the band started to work on some more songs with all the members chipping in on the songwriting. After an intensive rehearsal period in the fall of 2007 they locked themselves away at Lundgaard Studios in Denmark and recorded 12 tracks for their debut album (released on their own label in September 2008).

In 2010 the band participated in the Eurovision preliminaries in Iceland with an original song, Gefst ekki upp.  Early 2011 Sigurdór left the band and the remaining three started working on a new album, although heavily delayed due to the members' other engagements. In September 2012 the first single from an upcoming album was released, Morgundagurinn. The plan is to release one track per month for a year, releasing the 12 songs produced as an album in fall 2013.

The music of Menn Ársins does not easily fall into one category. All members are active musicians and have played in most styles of music. Haraldur has been with (grunge) rockers Dead Sea Apple for over a decade and is also composing and arranging in classical settings as well as composing for commercials. Drummer Diddi has played, for instance, with (Balkan folk sensation) Rússíbanar, rockers Ske and modern classical ensembles Ísafold Chamber Orchestra and Caput. Sváfnir is firmly rooted in the singer/songwriter (troubadour) tradition with some punk and new wave as an early influence as well.

So it’s easy to say that Menn Ársins have a big palette of influences and experiences to choose from and add to their musical musings. But at the core their music is melodic pop/rock with arrangements ranging from string laden ballads and horn driven grooves to stripped down up-tempo rocking out!


Menn Ársins are:

Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson - keyboard, guitar, vocals
Kjartan “Diddi” Guðnason – drums and percussion, background vocals
Sváfnir Sigurðarson – vocals, guitar

Menn Ársins

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