12. Listen to Bleed Out

Merge Records, August 19.

California indie-folk veterans the Mountain Goats are beloved for their stately folk-rock grooves and the bookish, reflective lyrics of John Darnielle, a singer-songwriter appreciated as much for his gutting honesty as for his flair for a concept album. Bleed Out, the band’s 21st studio album, offers ruminations on the violent vengeance of action films like Death Wish and First

Blood with the fast rock riffs to match. c.j.