Most anticipated music releases of fall 2012

The arrival of autumn usually means the return of football, back to school, and cooler temperatures. However, this fall will also usher in an onslaught of new album releases, especially in the indie and alternative categories. Below you’ll find a (far from complete) list of this fall’s most anticipated album releases.

The xx –"Coexist"

Almost as soon as their debut album released in August 2009, The xx has been lauded with critical acclaim. The British indie pop threesome was even awarded the Mercury Music Prize in 2010. Comprised of vocalists Oliver Sim and Romy Madley-Croft and percussionist Jamie Smith, the band produces tidy but soft and slow songs littered with Sim’s ever-present bass. The band plans to release their second album, "Coexist," which they’ve said will be more dance-heavy, Sept. 11.

The Killers – "Battle Born"

The Killers’ 2004 debut album, "Hot Fuss," was rightfully a huge success. With tracks like "Somebody Told Me," "All These Things that I’ve Done," and "Mr. Brightside," the band had hit after hit. Only two years later, the band released "Sam’s Town," and it was pretty good. And, two years after that, they released another album, "Day & Age," which I can’t even remember. While people often complain about their favorite band’s lengthy stints between albums, The Killers had the opposite problem – they suffered from too much exposure. Well, forget the bad taste an effusion of The Killers left in your mouth because their single release, "Runaways," from their new album "Battle Born," which is set to release Sept. 18, is already topping alternative charts.

Mumford and Sons – "Babel"

The breakout success that British group Mumford and Sons has enjoyed from their first album, "Sigh No More," is atypical for most folk rock newcomers.

This sensational popularity is undoubtedly due to the band’s rigorous tour schedule, raucous stage presence and lyrics filled, intermittently, with sentiments of love and ire. If its first single, "I Will Wait" is any indicator of the rest of the album’s quality, then "Babel" will only work to nurture the band’s fan base. "Babel" is set to be released Sept. 25.

The Avett Brothers – "The Carpenter"

Another indie and folk rock fusion band, The Avett Brothers have been around longer than Mumford and Sons, but the two bands have experienced equal levels of success in the summer festival touring circuit here and in the UK. Made up of Seth and Scott Avett (the "Brothers" part of the equation), Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon, the foursome’s stage performances tend to make you feel like you’ve been invited to an evening of jamming on their front porch. Their new album, set to release Sept. 11, is sure to showcase The Avett Brothers’ lyrically sophisticated, musically blue-collar style.

Ellie Goulding – "Halycon"

When Ellie Goulding’s debut full-length album, "Lights," released in 2010, critics took notice. Her cool soprano folk artist’s voice paired with pop-ish dance beats makes for a unique sound. Speculators have suggested that Goulding’s newest endeavor, "Halycon," will be a collaboration effort with her boyfriend Skrillex, but she has publicly dispelled those rumors. So, we shall see what Goulding comes up with next with "Halycon’s" release on Oct. 9.

No Doubt – "Push and Shove"

Who isn’t excited for No Doubt to attempt a comeback? After 11 years of no new music, with Gwen Stefani trying her hand at a solo pop career, No Doubt is back – and they’re hoping to come back in a big way.

In an interview with NME Magazine, Stefani called this new release the "record of our lives." That’s a lot to live up to, but I have "no doubt" they can do it. "Push and Shove" is set to release Sept. 25.

Honorable Mentions

Bloc Party, "Four" – Aug. 21

Divine Fits, "A Thing Called Divine Fits" – Aug. 28

Animal Collective, "Centipede Hz" – Sept. 4

Cat Power, "Sun" – Sept. 4

Dave Matthews Band, "Away from the World" – Sept. 4

Bob Dylan, "Tempest – Sept. 11

Band of Horses, "Mirage Rock" – Sept. 18

Matt & Kim, "Lightning" – Oct. 2

The Mountain Goats, "Transcendental Youth" – Oct. 2