With so many releases these days, sometimes it’s hard to cut through the noise and figure out what music to spend your hard-earned money on. Hopefully this helps. On the first day of each month, I’ll put together a list of the top five albums you need to cop over the next four weeks. I know I’m one of the last people on the planet that actually buys CDs, but downloading from iTunes is cool too. Here’s your fix for March:

Bowerbirds - The Clearing

Bowerbirds – The Clearing (3/6)
It’s been three years since the Bowerbirds’ last album, and the crazy thing is that this could have easily never released at all. Beth Tacular nearly died after a mysterious illness put her in the hospital, and following a temporary break-up with Phil Moore, the two spent a year apart. Thankfully that’s all behind them, as they’re set to release one of the year’s best albums. The Clearing was recorded at Bon Iver‘s studio in Wisconsin, as well as inside their cabin in the woods of North Carolina.

The Ting Tings - Sounds From Nowheresville

The Ting Tings – Sounds From Nowheresville (3/13)
Here’s another album from a group on a long hiatus. After the success of “That’s Not My Name” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go” in 2008, I’m sure DJs around the globe have been jonesing for a new single to play. Now Katie White and Jules De Martino are back in a big way. Following their debut album, the English duo moved from Manchester to East Berlin to southern Spain, finally deciding on the direction of their sophomore effort. While the album has already dropped in their native England, we have to wait here in the States.

The Shins - Port of Morrow

The Shins – Port of Morrow (3/20)
I think all fans of The Shins were wondering if this day would ever come. As the band’s fourth album and first in five years, Port of Morrow is definitely worth the wait. Recorded in Los Angeles and Portland over the course of 2011, James Mercer handled all songwriting duties and lead vocals as usual. And if you like the lead single “Simple Song” which dropped in January, you’re going to love the rest.

Birdy - Birdy

Birdy – Birdy (3/20)
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Birdy. My friend Paddy sent me a music video of a young girl playing piano and singing Bon Iver‘s “Skinny Love.” It was amazing. Birdy’s real name is Jasmine van den Bogaerde, and she’s only 15 years old, which makes her self-titled debut even more impressive. Other covers to look out for on the album include “1901” by Phoenix, “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” by The Postal Service and “Terrible Love” by The National.

Miike Snow - Happy To You

Miike Snow – Happy To You (3/27)
Even if you think you don’t know the Swedish trio Miike Snow, I guarantee you’ve heard the song “Animal” from their self-titled debut album in 2009. Comprised of Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg and Andrew Wyatt, the group is back and better than ever with their new album, Happy To You. After touring in 27 countries for 18 months, the guys couldn’t wait to get back in the studio. And for the fans dying for some new music, it doesn’t disappoint one bit.