MOG

Oh boy! I've always wanted to have a reason to tell the world that my opinions are better than theirs. It's the end of the year, and I can give you my top picks of albums and artists and stuff in several categories that I deem appropriate.

Most Anticipated: Comatose by Skillet I've been waiting for this album since Collide came out. I'm a huge of fan of these guys (and girl) and I think this is a mature, complete effort from a great band. Standouts - 'Rebirthing' , "Last Night" , "Better Than Drugs'...actually, every track but the last is really good.

Most Improved From Last Album: The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance Not that Three Cheers was that bad, but kind of...I don't know. It never sat right with me. But this, oh, but this. I really like this. Standouts - 'Teenagers' , 'I Don't Love You'

Best Surprise: Broken Boy Soldiers by The Raconteurs I really thought that this band would suck, 'cause I never liked the White Stripes, but with a real band behind him, Jack White is pretty good. Standouts - 'Steady As She Goes' , 'Call It A Day'

Best Accidental Find: Are You Nervous? by Rock Kills Kid I heard 'Paralyzed' somewhere, and googled the lyrics to figure out who these guys were. This is what the Killers wish that they sounded like. Standouts - 'Life's A Bitch' , 'Hope Song'

Best Vocalist: Lance King of Pyramaze, on Legend of the Bonecarver I had never heard of this band before, but I really like progressive/power metal, and I LOVE a good vocalist. King delivers big time, and even thought it's a little campy at times, the CD is good overall. Standout - 'She Who Summoned Me'

Biggest Disappointment: Operation Mindcrime 2 by Queensryche Ah jeez. I really had high hopes. My girlfriend's dad introduced me to Queensryche about a year ago, and I have bought everything of theirs that I can find. But this album, while not horrible, or a total failure, just isn't as good as it could have been. I don't know.

Best Referral Album:Under the Iron Sea by Keane I have to hand it to these guys. Even without a guitarist, they rock. I can't deny it. I enjoy listening to them. The UK is putting out some good bands these days. Standouts - 'Bad Dream' , 'Hamburg Song'

And finally, a category that is here only because I want it to be.

Best Find That Is Not From 2006: Siamese Dream by the Smashing Pumpkins How the hell have I never heard this album before? Why have none of my musically inclined friends ever made me sit down and listen to Corgan and company. I didn't really know anything about them, I even thought of them as something akin to Savage Garden! Oh the humanity! Seriously. One you people should have posted comment like, "Hey, I see you have no TSP in your music library. Either buy Siamese Dream, or die." Standouts - Mayonaise' , 'Cherub Rock'

And that, friends, are my favorites of 2006 (and 1993).