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 April:

Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal

Of Monsters and Men – My Head is an Animal (4/3)
After the success of their debut EP last year, Of Monsters and Men are set to break out in 2012 with the release of their first album, My Head is an Animal. The Icelandic six-piece garnered critical acclaim for their first single “Little Talks,” and the album picks up right where they left off. With production from Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids) and mixing by Craig Silvey (Florence + The Machine, Arcade Fire), expect this to be in heavy rotation throughout spring.

The Jezabels - Prisoner

The Jezabels – Prisoner (4/3)
Although Prisoner came out digitally last year, the album finally gets its physical release in the U.S. this month. The Australian band began their musical journey with the release of three remarkable EPs, but it’s their first full-length album that will put them on the map. Like the EP trilogy, Prisoner was recorded during stolen hours with legendary Sydney producer Lachlan Mitchell.

M. Ward - A Wasteland Companion

M. Ward – A Wasteland Companion (4/10)
As one of the most underrated songwriters of his generation, M. Ward is back with perhaps his finest work to date. A Wasteland Companion is a diary of sorts chronicling his journeys here and abroad since Hold Time was released three years ago. Consisting of 12 tracks, the album was recorded in eight different studios and made with 18 musicians including Bright Eyes’ Mike Mogis, Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley and his She & Him partner, Zooey Deschanel.

Dry the River - Shallow Bed

Dry the River – Shallow Bed (4/17)
If you’re a fan of Mumford & Sons, you’re going to love Dry the River. The London five-piece, who started in the hardcore punk scene of southeast England, teamed up with producer Peter Katis (The National) at his Connecticut home-studio last summer for this 11-track album.

Yuna - Yuna

Yuna – Yuna (4/24)
When you have talent and Pharrell on your side, the sky’s the limit. And that’s exactly where Malaysia-born singer/songwriter Yuna finds herself today. Her highly anticipated self-titled album features 13 original tracks, as well as production by Pharrell and Chris Braide (Sia, Lana Del Ray).