As 2025 draws to a close, the music world is buzzing with anticipation for the annual year-end lists. And who better to look to for musical recommendations than The Mountain Goats' very own John Darnielle? His eclectic taste and passion for music are on full display in his list of favorite albums, shared on Bluesky.
But here's where it gets interesting: Darnielle's list is a unique blend of genres, with a special mention for metal. He's not afraid to showcase his diverse musical interests, and his picks are sure to spark curiosity and debate among fans.
His top choices include Blood Vulture's 'Die Close', a visionary neo-grunge masterpiece, and Pool Kids' 'Easier Said Than Done', an emotional rollercoaster. Vernon Reid's 'Hoodoo Telemetry' is described as endlessly rewarding, while Coroner's 'Dissonance Theory' leaves him wondering how they maintain such intensity. The Broadway cast recording of 'Maybe Happy Ending' is a delightful surprise, and Messa's 'The Spin' showcases melodic goth metal at its finest. Flock of Dimes and Giant Claw bring danceable tunes, and Auri's 'III - Candles and Beginnings' is a must-listen due to its captivating vocals.
Darnielle also highlights Gully Boys, a band he believes deserves a bigger stage. His song of the year is Indigo De Souza's 'Heartthrob', and he playfully challenges the idea of unranked lists, creating a ranked top 10 for 2025. He even shares his listening habits, revealing a deep dive into jazz, with Miles Davis, Lester Young, and Charles Mingus getting heavy rotation.
The Mountain Goats have been busy this year, releasing a full-on musical album, 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan', featuring an impressive lineup. Darnielle also published an annotated lyric book, 'This Year: 365 Songs Annotated: A Book of Days'. And as if that wasn't enough, they've announced a 2026 tour, kicking off in New Zealand and Australia, with a special show at Woodstock's Bearsville Theater.
A controversial opinion: Is it possible that Darnielle's love for jazz and early jazz influences might hint at a new direction for The Mountain Goats? Only time will tell. What do you think their next musical move will be? Share your thoughts in the comments!
