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 Cursive frontman Tim Kasher breaks into the Top 5 with his other band The Good Life. For my money, Help Wanted Nights is their best album yet. Meanwhile, The Shins’ Wincing The Night Away, their weakest album to date (though still a strong effort), gets 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. The Good Life Help Wanted Nights (Saddle Creek)
6. Okkervil River The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
7. Aesop Rock None Shall Pass (Definitive Jux)
8. Parts & Labor Mapmaker (Jagjaguwar)
9. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars) >>Watch Video Review
10. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
>>Watch Video Review
11. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
12. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
13. Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino)
>>Watch Video Review
14. The National Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
15. Pharoahe Monch Desire (SRC/Universal Motown)
16. The Beauty Shop Crisis Helpline (Believe Music)
17. The Veils Nux Vomica (Rough Trade)
18. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Definitive Jux)
>>Watch Video Review
19. Wilco Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)
20. M.I.A. Kala (XL)

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