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 SkilletI'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 RomanceNot 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 RaconteursI 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 KidI 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 BonecarverI 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 QueensrycheAh 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 KeaneI 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 PumpkinsHow 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).