Kevin Bronson on January 25th, 2011

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[Recapping today’s noteworthy album releases:]

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Of local interest

Apex Manor, “The Year of Magical Drinking” (Merge) – Jangly, earnest songcraft from ex-Broken West main man Ross Flournoy. [Video. Interview/download.] Recommended.

Cold War Kids, “Mine Is Yours” (Downtown/Interscope) – The quartet’s third album offers a bigger, bolder and more direct take on its indie blues, with stabbing guitar-and-bass and Nathan Willett’s big vocals undiminished. [Download. Live review. Interview.] Highly recommended.

Young the Giant, “Young the Giant” (Roadrunner) – Young Newport Beach quintet already making radio waves with their hooky but quirky anthems featuring the soaring vocals of Sameer Gadhia. Album was released last year digitally, out today physically. [Download.] Recommended.

Ringside, “Lost Days” (self-released) – Big comeback album for frontman Scott Thomas, who turns his travails of the past five years into the stuff rock stars are made of. [Background.]

Also on my radar

Wanda Jackson, “This party Ain’t Over” – Rock and Roll Hall of Famer + Jack White = pure delight. Recommended.

Iron & Wine, “Kiss Each Other Clean” – Now sounds like an orchestra pit full of Sam Beams.

Destroyer, “Kaputt” – Kind of dizzyingly good. Recommended.

Fujiya & Miyagi, “Ventriloquizzing” – Yep Roc seems like a curious home for these Brighton electro guys, but I’ve always liked what they do and this album didn’t change anything. Recommended.

The Get Up Kids, “There Are Rules” – A strong return for the Midwestern lads who’ve updated their sound and lost none of their ability fashion catchy pop songs. [Download.] Recommended.

Cloud Nothings, “Cloud Nothings” – Decent garage pop from Cleveland teenager Dylan Baldi.

Bargain hunters note: Fujiya & Miyagi’s album is $3.99 today at Yep Roc. The Get Up Kids’ album is $3.99 today at Amazon.

Disclaimer: I’m only one guy and a lot of albums are released ever week. I’ll do my best.