Each week we highlight the new releases that we recommend. Below, find our picks for this week. I can honestly say at this point of he year, Wye Oak has put out my favorite album of 2011 thus far.

Wye Oak – Civilian [Buy]
MP3: Wye Oak – “Civilian”
Video: Wye Oak – “Civilian” (Live)

R.E.M. – Collapse Into Now [Buy]
Video: R.E.M. – “Überin”
Video: R.E.M. – “Mine Smell Like Honey”
Video: R.E.M. – “It Happened Today”

Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for My Halo [Buy]
MP3: Kurt Vile – “In My Time”
Video: Pitchfork Don’t Look Down Video Feature

Discuss: Drop a comment and let us know what records you’re picking up this week.

Fluxblog founder Matthew Perpetua ranks R.E.M. Albums from Worst to Best

NPR is streaming the Dodos forthcoming album No Color.

Listen to Photographers who open for Breathe Owl Breathe on their tour next month that includes stops in Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and Appleton.

Junip has new video for “In Every Direction” off of their fantastic 2010 release, Fields.

The Key has video of Wild Flag at Johnny Brenda’s 3/6/11 (including Patti Smith cover).

We couldn’t agree more with Pitchfork on bestowing Kurt Vile’s Smoke Ring for My Halo as “Best New Music.” Pitchfork also has a Don’t Look Down video session with Kurt Vile.

Download A Free Robin Pecknold EP (Feat. Ed Droste) at Stereogum.

When we saw My Morning Jacket last August in Chicago they played a new song “Circuital,” which has been announced as the title for their forthcoming sixth studio album.

Elsewhere:

Thanks to everyone who came to Linneman’s last night for the Love Language and Blessed Feathers. What a great night! We’ve got Libraries on repeat now.

Daytrotter has sessions with Deep Dark Woods, The Low Anthem & Frontier Ruckus – all highly recommended.

Listen to R.E.M.’s new album Collapse Into Now at NPR.

Stereogum offers a GAYNGS remix EP.

NPR premiers ‘Glass Tambourine’ by WILD FLAG

Tonight: Maps & Atlases play a free show at der Rathskeller at the UW Memorial Union in Madison.

The Rural Alberta Advantage played a fantastic live session on World Cafe. We’re presenting the band’s Madison and Milwaukee shows later this month.

Jessica Lea Mayfield performs “Our Hearts Are Wrong” on Letterman.

The Felice Brothers will release their fourth full-length album Celebration, Florida on May 10th, 2011 via Fat Possum.

Daytrotter has sessions with Menomena and Kasey Anderson.

Damien Jurado performs a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR.

New York Times reports that “Investors Are Drawn Anew to Digital Music.”

Pitchfork has a video of La Sera’s “Devil’s Hearts Grow Gold.”

A lot of highly anticipated new releases are available for a “First Listen” at NPR. We highly recommend you have a listen to the new offerings from Wye Oak, The Mountain Goats and Kurt Vile. In addition, they’re holding a “Listening Party” today at 1 p.m. CST of R.E.M.’s entire new album, Collapse Into Now.

If you’ve gotten mix CD’s from me over the years, I’d bet this song made at least one of them. I’ve never sat down and written out or given much thought of my all-time favorite songs, but if I did this song would have a place near the top. Good summer nights walking home, slightly buzzed, warmth in the air, this song soundtracks memories – lots of em. I’m ready for you summer.

Rain has been putting a damper on a lot things around the Midwest. R.E.M.’s current tour got a later than expected start last night at Jones Beach, but when they did hit the stage they started their set with a cover of Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” This wasn’t the first time this CCR cover has found its way into an R.E.M. set, see below as a the band delivers the goods in Germany back in 1985. Note the full head of hair on front man Michael Stipe.

MoB Review: R.E.M. – United Center, Chicago

Myspace: R.E.M.