When I review a new release, I also give the album a score based on the quality of each individual track and the cohesiveness of the album as a whole. To be eligible for this list, the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007. The following albums have scored highest this year so far. I update these Standings every time an album or albums break into my Top 20.

New Feature: Look for Video Reviews (by Jim Shearer and Dave Powers) on many of the Top 20 Albums of 2007 (so far) and more.

Update: This week Parts & Labor crack the Top 5 with their album Mapmaker and The National enter the Top 10 with Boxer. With two strong additions to the list, unfortunately someone’s gotta go. So Dinosaur Jr. and Kings of Leon get the boot, with Beyond and Because of the Times respectively.

1. Menomena Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
>>Watch Video Review
2. Bright Eyes Cassadaga (Saddle Creek)
>>Watch Video Review
3. Parts & Labor Mapmaker (Jagjaguwar)
4. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars) >>Watch Video Review
5. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
>>Watch Video Review
6. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
7. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
8. Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino)
>>Watch Video Review
9. The National Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
10. The Beauty Shop Crisis Helpline (Believe Music)
11. The Veils Nux Vomica (Rough Trade)
12. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Definitive Jux)
>>Watch Video Review
13. Wilco Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)
14. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop)
15. Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha (Fat Possum)
16. Voxtrot Voxtrot (Playlouder)
17. Elvis Perkins Ash Wednesday (XL)
18. Arcade Fire Neon Bible (Merge)
19. Nine Inch Nails Year Zero (Nothing/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review
20. Feist The Reminder (Cherry Tree/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review