While you’re wrapped up in all the hoops action this month, don’t forget that there’s plenty of “hoopla” going on in the music world in March too. Here’s a rundown of some new releases that’ll help you score big.

Released in early March:
Balkan Beat Box Give (Nat Geo Music) Mediterranean-inflected globalized electronica.
Barren Earth The Devil’s Resolve (Peaceville) Sophomore release from Finland’s definitive folk death metal act.
Biipiigwan Nibaak (Handshake Inc.) Sludge for fans of Neurosis and Isis.
Bowerbirds The Clearing (Dead Oceans) Hear the new music when the ’birds nest at the Troubadour April 7.
Del Castillo Infinitas Rapsodias (Smilin’ Castle) Austin-based Latin blues rock.
Every Time I Die Ex Lives (Epitaph) Very heavy, but also layered and melodic.
Freshman 15 Here’s to Feeling Good (Standby) Pop-punkers make a big splash with this digital-only release.
King Magnetic Everything’s a Gamble Vol. 3 (King Mag) Solo release from the Army of the Pharaohs member.
The Melvins The Bull & the Bees (Scion AV) Get your free copy at facebook.com/scionav.
RPWL Beyond Man and Time (Gentle Art of Music) A concept album from German art rockers.
SoSaLa Nu World Trash (DooBeeDoo) New York avant jazz mashed up with Persian-flavored world music.

March 20:
Scissormen Big Shoes: Walking and Talking the Blues (Vizztone) This CD + DVD set contains a documentary film and soundtrack from the Nashville group.
Choir of Young Believers Rhine Gold (Ghostly International) The Onion calls them majestic and haunting.
Marshall Catch Make Noise (Self-released) Debut E.P. from the Montana rockers.
Pat Mastelotto Recidivate (7d Media) Drum wizardry with guests from Porcupine Tree and King Crimson.
Lee Ranaldo Between the Times and the Tides (Matador) Solo effort from Sonic Youth guitarist.
Paul Van Dyk Evolution (Vandit) DJ/electronica artist enlists guests Owl City, Fieldwork and Sue McLaren.

March 27:
Borknagar Urd (Century Media) Avant-garde metal from Norway.
Sandy Bull & the Rhythm Ace Live 1976 (Drag City) This folk/experimental guitarist was way ahead of his time.
Felix Cartal Different Faces (Dim Mak) Maja Ivarsson of the Sounds guests on this set of dance music.
Flying Colors Flying Colors (Music Theories) Super-group includes members of Spock’s Beard and Dream Theater.
Modern Day Escape Under the Gun (Standby) Rock ‘n’ roll 2.0.
Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts Urstan (Drag City) Scottish duo performs traditional Gaelic tunes.
Katy Perry Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (EMI) Includes three new songs and previously unavailable alternate versions.
The Veer Union Divide the Blackened Sky (Rocket Science Ventures) This alt/heavy rock band from Vancouver has commercial appeal.