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. To be eligible for this list the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. 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: Wolf Parade’s debut album made them indie darlings, but in my book it was overhyped. The follow-up, though, At Mount Zoomer is a great achievement and lands them in the Top 10 of the year so far. Meanwhile, after a brief stint on the list, the latest from N.E.R.D., Seeing Sounds, gets bumped out of the Top 20.

1. My Morning Jacket Evil Urges (ATO)
2. Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend (XL)
3. Adele 19 (XL/Columbia)
4. Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple (Atlantic)
5. Lupe Fiasco The Cool (Atlantic)
6. Hot Chip Made in the Dark (Astralwerks)
7. The Hush Sound Goodbye Blues (Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic)
8. Wolf Parade At Mount Zoomer (Sub Pop)
9. Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs (Atlantic)
10. Dizzee Rascal Maths & English (Definitive Jux)
11. Death Angel Killing Season (Nuclear Blast America)
12. Shy Child Noise Won’t Stop (Kill Rock Stars)
13. Disturbed Indestructible (Warner Brothers/Reprise)
14. Portishead Third (Mercury/Island)
15. The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely (Warner Brothers)
16. MGMT Oracular Spectacular (Red Ink/Columbia)
17. The Mountain Goats Heretic Pride (4AD)
18. Man Man Rabbit Habits (Anti-)
19. The Kills Midnight Boom (Domino)
20. Santogold Santogold (Downtown)