If you keep up with the latest indie rock releases, you’ve probably heard some of the newest and best releases of the year so far. Just in case you’re wondering what’s good out there, I’d like to share some of the very best for you to enjoy at the moment.

Here are three of my personal favorites through the beginning of the year. If you haven’t heard any of these yet, I would definitely recommend adding them to your collection.

If you’re a fan of Vampire Weekend and their first release, I would definitely suggest buying their follow up album, known as Contra. Vampire Weekend has been the darling of the indie world since coming out with its debut album, and many have been looking forward to this album since they announced its production last year.

Suffice to say that Contra has lived up to expectations. While it may not be as imminently accessible as the group’s first album, a few listens begin to reveal some of the richly layered songs and the level of thought that went into each and every one of them.

If you like the dream pop genre, the best release of the year may undoubtedly belong to Beach House. This is a bold statement when you consider the fact that the year just started, but Teen Dream their newest release, is simply that good.

The best way to describe the sounds of this album would be dreamy, and it should come as no surprise given the name of the CD. This is sure to make some of the best of the year lists that critics throw together come the end of 2010.

Then, Owen Pallett has come out with the most ambitious effort of the year so far. I couldn’t even begin to explain his sound, which blends a number of different genres. What’s important is that he pulls it off.

You may not think you’re familiar with Pallett, but you probably know Final Fantasy, his original namesake. Unfortunately, he was forced to drop this name due to copyright issues with the video game franchise, but his music is better than it’s ever been.

In addition to music, this author also frequently shares writing regarding wooden kitchen step stools and stools with wheels.