When I review a new release, I also give the album a score based on the quality of each individual track and the album as a whole. It’s only the beginning of March, so it’s a little too soon for a Top 20 of 2007. But there have certainly been 15 albums worth putting on a list of the best of the year so far (Note: To be eligible for this list the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007):

1. Menomena Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
2. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars)
3. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
4. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
5. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
6. The Beauty Shop Crisis Helpline (Believe Music)
7. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop)
8. Elvis Perkins Ash Wednesday (XL)
9. Peter Bjorn and John Writer’s Block (Almost Gold)
10. VietNam VietNam (Kemado)
11. Rob Crow Living Well (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
12. Sarah Shannon City Morning Song (Minty Fresh)
13. Nas Hip Hop Is Dead (Def Jam)
14. Smoke or Fire This Sinking Ship (Fat Wreck Chords)
15. Lily Allen Alright, Still (Capitol)