We are more than halfway done with 2010 and have seen some quite exceptional albums. Here are our top albums for the year so far:

This is Happening by LCD Soundsystem
Debuting at #10 in the Billboard charts, the newest album by James Murphy et al has been hailed as a critical and commercial success. Opening with the track, "Dance Yrself Clean," which was sampled by Kid Cudi for his newest single, "All Talk", and ending with the unexpectedly upbeat, "Home", this album is amazing from beginning to end.
The Filter Picks: "Dance Yrself Clean", "You Wanted A Hit", "One Touch", "Home", "I Can Change"

Treats by Sleigh Bells
The debut album by the Brooklyn-based noise pop duo of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller is undeniably one of the most addictive albums of the year. Their catchy-pop yet abrasively manic hardcore sound will definitely blow you away.
The Filter Picks: "A/B Machines", "Rill Rill", "Infinity Guitars", "Kids", "Treats"

Swim by Caribou
Daniel Victor Snaith's newest album is filled with lush electronic beats, combined with dazzling psych, acid house, and minimal techno influences. This album was also nominated for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize, a Canadian equivalent to the UK Mercury Music Prize, along with other notables such as The Besnard Lakes, Broken Social Scene, and Tegan & Sara.
The Filter Picks: "Odessa", "Found Out", "Sun", "Kaili", "Bowls"

Crystal Castles by Crystal Castles
The eponymous debut by the experimental electronica band from Ontario, Canada has received critical acclaim, culminating to a Polaris Prize nomination. Their captivating, largely industrial electronic pop sound has generated the kind of buzz that got them into a number of short lists for the best albums of the year. And deservedly so. This album definitely makes ours.
The Filter Picks: "Baptism", "Celestica", "Intimate", "Doe Deer", "Empathy"

Crazy for You by Best Coast
Hugely reminiscent of the good ole 1960's surf pop, bringing to mind back when the Beach Boys were still California Dreaming, the talented group's debut album is a breath of fresh air. Opening with the hugely hooking "Boyfriend", and ending with the fun, lighthearted bonus track, "When I'm With You", this album makes you think that maybe the West Coast is the Best Coast after all...
The Filter Picks: "Boyfriend", "When the Sun Don't Shine", "Summer Mood", "Crazy for You", "Our Deal", "I Want To"

Coming up in Part VI: Pantha Du Prince, Big Boi, Four Tet, and many more.

by Paula Purpera