THE FILTER: TOP ALBUMS OF 2010 (First Quarter)

 2010 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for music. Now that we are done with the first quarter, here are our picks for the Top Albums of the year (so far).

Causers of This by Toro Y Moi
The debut album of Columbia, SC native, Chazwick Bundick, is one of the most addicting albums I have ever listened to. Toro Y Moi's unique sound is classified as "chillwave", reminiscent of a more upbeat Ernest Greene (Washed Out). His album takes you on a trip you don't ever want to end, from the catchy, pop sound of "Blessa" to the nouveau new wave sound of "Causers of This".
The Filter Picks: "Blessa", "Minors", "Talamak", "You Hid"

Broken Bells (self-titled)
Broken Bells is the new project of Brian Burton (AKA Danger Mouse) with James Mercer, the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins. The self-titled album is super-filled with indie-rock goodness. The first song on the album, "The High Road", was leaked to the public and is a very solid example of the amazing new direction the two artists have taken musically.
The Filter Picks: "October", "Your Head is on Fire", "Trap Doors", "Citizen"

The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night by The Besnard Lakes 
The third studio album from Montreal-based indie-rock band is filled with haunting melodic lines and beguiling vocals. If you like Pink Floyd with a touch of shoegaze, you will love this album released through the avant-garde Jagjaguwar label.
The Filter Picks: "Chicago", "Albatross", "Lonely Moan" 

Small Black EP
Another artist under the Jagjaguwar label, the Small Black EP is in the danger of being so good, you have to put all the five tracks in repeat. Currently touring with Washed Out and Pictureplane, Small Black's sound sorta rides the middle ground between these two artists. This quartet from Brooklyn, NY is the band that everyone should be watching out for...their future is anything but Small.
The Filter Picks: "Despicable Dogs", "Weird Machines", "Bad Lover"

Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
Welcome to the world of the Plastic Beach. The third studio album of the most famous and successful virtual band is eclectic, clever, irreverent, more pop-sounding and more musically developed than the two previous albums. With guest artists such as Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Lou Reed, and more, a trip to Plastic Beach is certainly one you have to take.
The Filter Picks: "Stylo", "Rhinestone Eyes", "Empire Ants",  "Glitter Freeze", "Some Kind of Nature"

N^o3 by JJ
Currently on tour with another huge fave, The Xx, the Swedish duo Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander, have released another landmark album as a follow-up to their widely successful N^o2. Full of lush melodies, catchy pop beats, this album is not as scintillating as N^o2, but has a different, more down tempo feel. Still a solid album IMO.
The Filter Picks: "My Life", "And Now", "Let Go"

Coming up in part two: Beach House, Yeasayer, and some new discoveries that were released in late 2009

by Paula Purpera