As the month of August begins, Indiebuzz would like to introduce our site by looking back at the past seven months and reflecting on some of the great albums that have been released thus far. 2010 has been a great year for music and there were plenty of other albums in consideration for this list, but these are the ones that beat out the rest. Enjoy, and definitely give feedback in the replies after looking through the list.

1. The Arcade Fire-The Suburbs (Aug. 3)

With The Suburbs The Arcade Fire have managed to take the best parts of their two previous albums (Funeral and Neon bible) and craft what is already being hailed as somewhat of a masterpiece, with BBC’s review comparing it to Radiohead’s OK Computer.

In Spin Magazine’s review, David Marchese describes the album as “Radiant with apocalyptic tension and grasping to sustain real bonds, [it] extends hungrily outward, recalling the dystopic miasma of William Gibson’s sci-fi novels and Sonic Youth’s guitar odysseys. Desperate to elude its own corrosive dread, it keeps moving, asking, looking, and making the promise that hope isn’t just another spiritual cul-de-sac.”

The album is proof that The Arcade Fire truly are one of the greatest bands of our generation, and any fans of the band should pick it up as soon as it is released this Tuesday. We’re currently working on our own review of the album which should be up sometime later this week.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,Amazon

2. Local Natives-Gorilla Manor (Feb. 16)

The Local Natives are a brand new indie-rock band from Silver Lake California, (home of the Silversun Pickups) who released their debut album earlier this year. I’ve been playing Gorilla Manor on a near daily basis and still haven’t grown tired of it. Check out the official music video for “airplanes” to get a taste of the band that is without a doubt one of my favorite new acts of the year.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,Amazon

3. Broken Bells-Broken Bells (Mar. 9)

The fact that Broken Bells is a collaboration project between James Mercer of the Shins and DJ Danger Mouse should be enough to convince you of its quality. The albums sound,which can best be described as The Shins meet The Gorillaz is a great blend of various musical influences. The duo have already been confirmed to be working on a follow up to their debut album, and judging by this release fans have a lot to look forward to.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

4. Lost in Trees-All Alone in an Empty House (Aug. 10)

The album hasn’t been released yet, but I was fortunate enough to hear a stream on npr about a week ago, and was instantly taken aback by its complexity. A wonderful blend of indie-folk and classical music, All Alone in an Empty House came out of no where to make it this high up on the list. Listen to this album now and buy it once it is released, you won’t be disappointed. We’ll also be reviewing this release within the upcoming weeks.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,Amazon

5.  Band of Horses-Infinite Arms (May. 18)

Band of Horses is an indie-rock band with heavy influences from southern rock and country music. 2010 has been a big year for these guys between opening for the likes of Pearl Jam, and Snow Patrol well as playing various music festivals such as SXSW Sasquatch. They are currently on a world tour promoting Infinite Arms. While I hadn’t listened to much from the band before this release, I’ll definitely be going back to check out their previous work after having heard this gem.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

6. MGMT-Congratulations (Apr. 13)

Congratulations, the followup to MGMT’s wildly popular debut album Oracular Spectacular, finds the band trying out an entirely different sound. Noticeably absent are any catchy danceable singles in the vein of “kids”, or “time to pretend”. Lead guitarist and vocalist Andrew VanWyngarden stated that the album is influenced by the band’s massive rise in popularity since Oracular Spectacular’s release. ”It’s us trying to deal with all the craziness that’s been going on since our last album took off. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel natural,” VanWyngarden said. I applaud MGMT for this effort that proves that their first album’s success wasn’t just a fluke. These guys are talented musicians, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

7. Minus The Bear-Omni (May. 4)

Omni is the fourth studio album from Seattle indie-rockers Minus the Bear. Produced by Joe Chiacherelli ( The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Radiohead), the album is by far their most accessible and I think old fans as well as new comers will enjoy this release.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

8. Portugal The Man-American Ghetto (Mar. 2)

Hailing from Wasilla, Alaska Portugal the Man are one of the more original bands on this list with sound a that is a bit difficult to describe. If you’re already a fan, you’ll dig their 6th studio album. If you haven’t heard them yet, check out the awesome official music video for ” The Dead Dog” to get a taste of their unique experimental sound.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

9. Spoon-Transference (Jan. 15)

There really isn’t much to say about these guys. The indie rockers from Austin Texas have consistently delivered solid albums, and their seventh studio album Transference is no exception. The album sold 53,000 copies in its first week debuting at #4 on the billboard charts. I hope these guys keep making music for a long time because they’ve proven their among the best in the genre.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

10. Dr. Dog-Shame, Shame (Apr. 6)

Shame,Shame is described by band members as an attempt to more accurately recreate the energy of the live shows, “We were taking those experience on stage as reference points, rather than shedding them when we go into the studio, which is what we would always do,” said co-frontman Scott McMicken. The album peaked at #44 on the Billboard charts.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

11. Steel Train-Steel Train (Jun. 29)

Steel Train’s self-titled third release is arguably their best yet. Led by guitarist Jack Antoff (who also plays lead guitar for indie-pop band Fun.), the band has created an album that retains everything fans loved about the first two albums, but feels more complete as a package and should help them to gain a lot of new fans. Hopefully people listen to it, because these guys are definitely deserving of some more attention.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

12. Good Old War-Good Old War

Good Old War’s sophomore album released through Sargent House has been getting quite a bit of play in my itunes. Check out the video of them performing one of my favorite tracks on the album, ” My Own Sinking Ship” live in the studio.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

13. The Black Keys-Brothers

Brothers is the sixth album by these blues-rockers from Akron, Ohio and it is also their highest charting, selling 73,000 copies in the first week landing them a spot at #3 on the Billboard charts.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

14. Delta Spirit- History From Below

Delta Spirit is an indie rock band from San Diego whose sound has been described as a “hybrid of rock and northern soul”. Their third studio album is a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed Ode to Sunshine as the band continues to refine their sound and prove that they are one of the most exciting up and coming groups in the genre.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

15. Sleigh Bells-Treats

Sleigh bells is a “noise-pop” duo based out of Brooklyn New York.The electric guitar, heavy synths and various  distortion effects combined with the melodic female vocals of Alexis Krauss create a somehat unique sound that has garnered the band positive attention from critics and fans alike. Pitchfork named their song “Crown on the Ground” the 57th best track of 2009. Treats which is their debut full length album reached #39 on the Billboard.

Purchase the album on: iTunes,amazon

Be sure to leave feedback in the replies, we would love to hear your thoughts. Did we miss any albums, or should some of these not have made it? Let us know!