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 Aesop Rock cracks the Top 10 with another excellent album, None Shall Pass, and M.I.A. slips into the top 20 with Kala, a bold and solid follow-up to her stunning debut Arular. As a result, Andrew Bird’s Armchair Apocrypha and Voxtrot’s self-titled album get bumped off the list.
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. Patrick Park Everyone’s In Everyone (Curb Appeal)
5. Okkervil River The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
6. Aesop Rock None Shall Pass (Definitive Jux)
7. Parts & Labor Mapmaker (Jagjaguwar)
8. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars) >>Watch Video Review
9. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
>>Watch Video Review
10. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
11. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
12. Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino)
>>Watch Video Review
13. The National Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
14. Pharoahe Monch Desire (SRC/Universal Motown)
15. The Beauty Shop Crisis Helpline (Believe Music)
16. The Veils Nux Vomica (Rough Trade)
17. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Definitive Jux)
>>Watch Video Review
18. Wilco Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)
19. M.I.A. Kala (XL)
20. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop)
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
Dave
Good afternoon,
I emailed Wanda at 3wk earlier with a similar email, found you through a link on that site.
My name is Dylan I work with 50records, an independent record label out of Minneapolis, Minn. Our most recent release is a band by the name of “White Light Riot”. Their album just came out on the 21st, available digitally and physically at major and indie retailers. They are a solid Indie band, great group of guys. They have done well with college and non-commercial radio. They are compared to and have played with a lot of bands on 3wk.
I digg the album reviews you have up.
Give White Light Riot a listen and let me know what you think! Honestly!
Below are a few links to give you a little background information.
White Light Riot / digital one-sheet:
http://www.50records.com/digitalpress/digitalpress_LP.html
(imeem focus tracks: 3 Out of Sight, 8 Midway Souvenirs)
Websites:
http://www.myspace.com/whitelightriotmusic
http://www.whitelightriot.com
http://www.50records.com
I will mail you a physical copy of the album at your request. If you would like any other information, just ask!
Feel free to contact me at your convenience. (phone/email)
Thank you for your time.
Cheers,
-Dylan
–
Dylan Ohm
GM/ Dir. of New Media
50 Entertainment Inc.,
300 First Ave. N Ste 110
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.465.8300 | Office
612.465.8307 | Fax