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.
Update: This week Portugal. The Man made a serious run for album of the year (so far) with Church Mouth, and enter the list at #3. Meanwhile, the latest Trent Reznor creation, Nine Inch Nails’ Year Zero gets bumped out of the Top 20.
1. Menomena Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
>>Watch Video Review
2. Bright Eyes Cassadaga (Saddle Creek)
>>Watch Video Review
3. Portugal. The Man Church Mouth (Fearless)
4. Parts & Labor Mapmaker (Jagjaguwar)
5. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars) >>Watch Video Review
6. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
>>Watch Video Review
7. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
8. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
9. Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino)
>>Watch Video Review
10. The National Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
11. Pharoahe Monch Desire (SRC/Universal Motown)
12. The Beauty Shop Crisis Helpline (Believe Music)
13. The Veils Nux Vomica (Rough Trade)
14. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Definitive Jux)
>>Watch Video Review
15. Wilco Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)
16. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop)
17. Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha (Fat Possum)
18. Voxtrot Voxtrot (Playlouder)
19. Elvis Perkins Ash Wednesday (XL)
20. Arcade Fire Neon Bible (Merge)
Additional Video Reviews (from former Top 20 Albums):
Nine Inch Nails Year Zero (Nothing/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review
Feist The Reminder (Cherry Tree/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review
Kings of Leon Because of the Times (RCA)
>>Watch Video Review
Have you heard The Avett Brothers or Bowerbirds? I haven’t put together a list yet, but I am certain that both of those will make the list. Check em out. I’d love to hear what you think about them. Also, Celebration released a track from their forthcoming record “Modern Tribe”. It’s a great track. It’s the most beautiful Yeah Yeah Yeah’s song ever, but they beat Yeah Yeah Yeah’s to making it (except Nick Zinner who supplies the guitar).
“Evergreen” is a nice little song for sure…on par with the prettier YYY moments. Haven’t heard Avett Brothers or Bowerbirds, but I’ll check ‘em out.
I was hoping to see some Caribou up in here.
I love the first 4 tracks on the new Caribou. After that, he loses me. The lyrics and melodies become fewer and further and between. Why can’t he maintain what he does on the first half?
You’re telling me you don’t dig those flutes chiming in with the bubbling squiggles on “Sundialing.” You gotta stretch with it, Charles.
Also, what did you make of Up in Flames? Still one of my favorites from this decade.