Jason Tate

[Jason Tate]

Music's defines me. It's my life, my job, my hobby, my love. 2005 was a great year for this website and for music in general. To cap off the year, here are my "awards" for 2005. It's all personal preference, and I've tried to include commentary where ever I can - I have weird tastes, strict opinions, and I know what I like. So, here goes ...

Top Albums of 2005

30) The Receiving End of Sirens - Between the Heart and the Synapse
29) Sherwood - Sing, But Keep Going
28) The Starting Line - Based on a True Story
27) Limbeck - Let Me Come Home
26) MxPx - Panic
25) Jacks Mannequin - Everything in Transit
24) Kevin Devine - Split the Country Split the Street
23) Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise
22) Spitalfield - Stop Doing Bad Things
21) Alkaline Trio - Crimson
20) Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree
19) The Academy Is - Almost Here
18) Latterman - No Matter Where We Go
17) Over It - Silverstrand
16) Eisley - Room Noises
15) Copeland - In Motion
14) Armor for Sleep - What to Do When You're Dead
13) Cartel - Chroma
12) Emanuel - Soundtrack to a Headrush
11) Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
10) Gatsbys American Dream - Volcano
09) Nightmare of You - Self-Titled
08) Nobuo Uematsu - Advent Children
07) Motion City Soundtrack - Commit this to Memory
06) Acceptance - Phantoms
05) Days Away - Mapping an Invisible World
04) A Wilhelm Scream - Ruiner
03) Minus the Bear - Menos El Oso
02) Thrice - Vheissu
01) The Spill Canvas - One Fell Swoop

I know that my musical taste may not be as indie/punk/hardcore as everyone would like it to be, but it's simply me. This is what I like, in the order in which I like it. Nothing fancy, nothing anymore then a quick glimpse into my mind. I went with The Spill Canvas for my album of the year because of the lasting power and emotional impact it had throughout the year. I still listen to it on a weekly basis, and the lyrics will always have a very special place in my heart. The rest of my list chaged 9 or 10 million times and what we have here is what I finally ended up with after forcing myself not to change it anymore.
Honorable Mention
Rufio - The Comfort of Home
The All American Rejects - Move Along
Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal
Paint It Black - Paradise
Bodyjar - Self-Titled
Cauterize - Paper Wings
Days Like These - Inventure
Against Me - Searching For A Former Clarity
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
Emery - The Question
Funeral for a Friend - Hours
Boys Night Out - Trainwreck
The Juliana Theory - Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat
Let Go - Self-Titled
Pelican - The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw
The Panic Division - Versus
Panic! at The Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
Lydia - This December; It's One More and I'm Free
Since By Man - Pictures From The Hotel Apocalypse
Neil Diamond - 12 Songs
Number One Gun - Promises for the Imperfect
Lagwagon - Resolve
Tokyo Rose - New American Saint
Waking Ashland - Composure
Valencia - This Could Be a Possibility
The Junior Varsity - Wide Eyed
June - If You Speak Any Faster

I literally had to stop myself from adding all of these into my top list. I wanted them all there but my list was already out of control ... so, I stuck them in the honorable mention category (in no order). To be honest, I think a lot of them should and could replace some of the albums up above - but I just couldn't figure out where to put them! Great respect to all of these bands, and I hope everyone knows how hard this was. This category was created purely out of my own laziness to cut any of the bands I knew needed to be included. I already know I forgot some albums that should be here as well ... I'm going to be pissed looking back in a week and realizing everything I forgot. It's the nature of the beast.
Top EPs of 2005

05) Hit the Lights - Until We Get Caught
04) Relient K - Apathetic
03) The Format - Snails
02) Straylight Run - Prepare to Be Wrong
01) Jimmy Eat World - Stay on My Side Tonight

Worst (Most Disappointing) Albums of 2005

04) Avenged Sevenfold - City of Evil
03) Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah
02) The Decemberists - Picturesque
01) Aiden - Nightmare Anatomy

I hate this category because it always seems so negative. Truth is, I think these are the four most over-rated albums of last year. I was told they were amazing by a whole group of people and I couldn't even get through them.
Best Producer of the Year

01) Matt Squire

Runner-Up: Neal Avron

Best New Band of 2005

01) Panic! At The Disco

Runner-Up: Plus 44

Okay, P!ATD had never released an EP before 2005, and they fucking blew-up this year. I don't know who else you could give it to. They far and away showcased how quickly a band can take off. As for the runner-up; we got our first song from Plus44 in '05, and I loved it.
Best Music Video of 2005

01) Thrice - Image of the Invisible

Runners-Up: Gatsbys American Dream - Theatre & Fall Out Boy - Dance Dance

Thrice turned music videos into cinema. I loved the originality of GAD's video while FOB made me laugh my ass off; taking me back to when Blink182 made videos that were fun to watch.
Best Lyrics of 2005

01) Dustin Kensrue (Thrice)

Dustin took lyrics to a whole new level this year. The literary techniques used throughout the Thrice's album made me re-evaluate the way I thought lyrics could be written.
Best Vocals of 2005

03) Jason Vena (Acceptance)
02) William Pugh (Cartel)
01) Keith Goodwin (Days Away)

These dudes can flat out sing. Pro-tools singers should take note, this is the real-deal.
Biggest Sellouts

02) Taking Back Sunday
01) October Fall

Come on, you go on tour with Ashlee Simpson before you even release an album? I may end up really liking this CD but I can't get over the obvious "we'll take any steps to be huge we have to." As for Taking Back Sunday, after reading Adam's last two journal entries, I had to take some sort of swipe at the band. Hahaha...
Best Live Show

04) The Receiving End of Sirens
03) Acceptance
02) Cartel
01) Thrice

Hardest Working Band of 2005

01) Over It

Best Record Label

02) Tooth & Nail Records
01) The Militia Group

What these two labels were able to put out this year, and in the class in which they did it - clearly puts them ahead of the pack.
Most Overrated Band

01) Sufjan Stevens

I fucking love this CD, but for the life of me can't figure out why everyone went as nuts as they did over it. Now I know how other people feel when I "over-hype" something.
Most Underrated Bands

06) Midtown
05) Valencia
04) Tokyo Rose
03) Acceptance
02) Over It
01) Cartel

All extremely talented bands that aren't getting the recognition I think they should. Check them out if you have a chance.
Best (Catchiest Song) Single

03) Fall Out Boy - Dance, Dance
02) Motion City Soundtrack - Everything's Alright
01) Cartel - Honestly

For the second year in a row Cartel wins this spot, they just know how to write a song that refuses to leave your head. I still hum all three of these songs at random times during the day.
Best B-Side

01) Thrice - The Weight of Glory

Worst Single

01) Acceptance - Different

One of my favorite songs off of Phantoms, but it should not have been the lead single for such an amazing album. I'm still pissed this band isn't huge.
Best 'Other' Zine Website

02) Pastepunk.com
01) Punknews.org

There's no other zine that does it better than Punknews.org, you have to give them credit for what they've created. I only hope in 10 years we're doing as well as they are. As for pastepunk.com, it's all about the music and it's always done in a very tasteful manner. Don't forget to check out the Vagrant podcast (http://boss.streamos.com/download/vagrant/vagrantradio/podcast2/audio/vagradiopodcast_192.mp3) featuring Aubin from PN.org and myself.
Band of the Year

02) Fall Out Boy
01) Thrice

Everything Thrice did this year was golden. Their album, the packaging, their music video, the lyrics, their website, their dedication to charity and their fans. Beautiful. As for Fall Out Boy ... the way they took off this year is nothing short of amazing. A band hasn't blown up like them since Blink182. I can only sit back, laugh, and say, "I told you so!"- well done boys!
Band(s) Most Pimped By AP.net

02) The Spill Canvas
01) Thrice

They're my top 2 albums of the year, this is my website, you do the math.
In Our Memories

I would just like to take this time to remember everyone we lost this year. It was an incredibly sad year in our music world and for the world in general. I just want to take a moment for all those time came for too soon. May angels lead you in ...

Best Band Related DVD

02) Northstar - The Uncomfortable Camera
01) Thrice - If Only They Could See Us Now

Best Movies of 2005

04) Sin City
03) Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
02) Crash
01) Batman: Begins

Best TV Shows of 2005

03) Entourage
02) The Daily Show
01) 24

The Next Big Thing(s) of 2006

15) The Academy Is
14) Less Than Jake
13) Saves the Day
12) Something Corporate
11) QuietDrive
10) Say Anything
09) A Love Like Pi
08) Thrice
07) Cartel
06) Men, Women & Children
05) Acceptance
04) The Format
03) Panic! at The Disco
02) Over It
01) Brand New

Some of these bands have already shown glimpses of being HUGE, I think 2006 could very well shove a few of these bands into the mainstream. We'll just have to wait and see.
Most Anticipated Releases of 2006

05) The Living End
04) Thursday
03) Plus 44
02) Saves the Day
01) Brand New

The Format and Morrissey should be included in this as well.
Predictions for 2006

I'm not feeling very Nostradamus today, let's just say AP.net is going to be huge in the new year. I have some things up my sleeves other 'zines haven't even thought of yet.

Best Songs of 2005

10) Acceptance - So Contagious
09) Days Away - Mirrors
08) The Spill Canvas - Bound to Happen
07) Thrice - Music Box
06) The Spill Canvas - Self-Conclusion
05) Death Cab for Cutie - Into the Dark
04) Jimmy Eat World - Disintegration
03) The Starting Line - Ready
02) Thrice - Red Sky
01) Cartel - The Minstrels Prayer

Well, that just about wraps it up. Thank you to everyone who's checked out this list, and to everyone who visits this website on a daily basis. Without you, we'd be nothing at all. I can't thank you enough for giving me the chance to live a dream.

[akster]

good call on the The Spill Canvas ;)

[johnarc]

you and I shouldn't date.

[Jason Tate]

you and I shouldn't date.
The sex would be difficult.

[i2ockbotm]

Jason what do you have against Coheed & Cambria? Not even an honerable mention? Harsh.

[Jason Tate]

Jason what do you have against Coheed & Cambria? Not even an honerable mention? Harsh.
God, I don't even want to think about how many bands/CDs I forgot. That's one of them! Shit. I forgot a whoooooole bunch, and finally gave up trying to remember everything I wanted to put on this list.

[Paul Tao]

decemberists AND clap your hands as most disappointing? ouch

[njkid54]

you said vheissu was perfect, and you will never use that word for a cd ever again. so how is spill canvas number one? don't get me wrong. i loved one fell swoop. it would be my number 2. but i thought thrice would've been number one?

[Jason Tate]

decemberists AND clap your hands as most disappointing? ouch
Jared made me listen to them and I didn't like the vocals. Then everyone started talking about how amazing they were and I still couldn't get into them. Dunno, just not my style.

[Paul Tao]

Jared made me listen to them and I didn't like the vocals. Then everyone started talking about how amazing they were and I still couldn't get into them. Dunno, just not my style.
yeah, i understand, music is subjective. i was just a little surprised about the decemberists. clap your hands i already knew, jared had told me you didn't like it.

[unwritten]

Wow, im kinda surprised at your list(s) Jason. Anyhow, its a good list.

[weezer182]

good call on 24 for your top show ;)

[preppyak]

decemberists AND clap your hands as most disappointing? ouch
yeah, Decemberists is my #3, so that suprised me.

[Jason Tate]

yeah, Decemberists is my #3, so that suprised me.
It was all vocals for me on that one .. I could have gotten into the music I just really didn't like the vocals .. at all.

[weezer182]

im suprised jacks mannequin was only 25. i would of guessed it would have been in your top 10. oh well

[Everiggs]

"Self Conclusion" is absolutely awe-inspiring. I agree with most of your stuff....especially about how Cartel and Acceptance should both be HUGE by now. I think 2006 will see our "scene" getting bigger and more main-stream, I just hope that we don't lose touch with what it's all about. The music.

[preppyak]

It was all vocals for me on that one .. I could have gotten into the music I just really didn't like the vocals .. at all.

Ah, yeah my best friend here at my college has a similiar voice to Colin, so I am very accustomed to the voice. The Bagman's Gambit just blew me away when I heard it.

I agree with most of your top 30 though, good job on what is a very hard list this year.

[Jason Tate]

im suprised jacks mannequin was only 25. i would of guessed it would have been in your top 10. oh well
It was to start, then it got moved. JM and Spitalfield were both top 10 up until last night.

[Big_Guy]

good list I guess.

except for Spill Canvas. that cd is garbage

[Flags of Dawn]

death cab on honorable mention? that took balls for sure.

[Tenn]

Way to give props to Cartel, they're the shit.

[preppyak]

By the way, good call on October Fall, aren't they on tour with The Click Five now. I mean, just one of the two is bad enough, but both, back to back.

[HazeLitRise]

lydia - this december, its ONE MORE AND IM FREE

sorry dude, you messed up the name, badly

[when 4ever ends]

Best New Band of 2005

01) Panic! At The Disco

what... the fuck? cartel blows teh shit out of this band.

[Jason Tate]

Best New Band of 2005

01) Panic! At The Disco

what... the fuck? cartel blows teh shit out of this band.
Concur, but I was more looking at what band took off the most in 2005 I guess.

Plus, I gave that award to Cartel last year ;)

[IcedOpethBlind]

im so glad to see Menos El Oso so high on your list, awesome.

[when 4ever ends]

Concur, but I was more looking at what band took off the most in 2005 I guess.

Plus, I gave that award to Cartel last year ;)
hm okay. i like you again.

and get back to me on my email its pretty important i need to let someone know over there. and you wont know what im talking about till you read it.

[postpaintboy]

It was all vocals for me on that one .. I could have gotten into the music I just really didn't like the vocals .. at all.

thats bizarre to me, since colin probably has my favorite voice in music at the moment. but its all subjective.

[newfoundnorcal]

it's your opinion and it's by no means bad, i'm just surprised...kind of.

[Jason Tate]

hm okay. i like you again.

and get back to me on my email its pretty important i need to let someone know over there. and you wont know what im talking about till you read it.
Oh ok, I'll check it out asap.

[beefhung]

Most Underrated Bands

06) Midtown

ain't no hollaback boy...

[ArTkY_]

Not baaaaad. Actually pretty damn good. Thrice is number 2 though? After all the "perfects"?

[MyDaysOfDanger]

Props for finally giving Minus The Bear some credit, these guys have been amazing AND overlooked for years now. But Against Me and DCFC only honorable mentions? AM proved they will be the next Clash, and as for Death Cab? You said it was their best album ever and you put Transatlanticism in your top ten the year it came out and there were SO many good releases that year(Thursday,Thrice,BN). But what did you think of My Morning Jacket? Did you forget about them or just not approve?

[crzydrmmer]

I think you hit the nail on the head with every list! brand new will dominate this coming year

[analog_boy]

I know that my musical taste may not be as indie/punk/hardcore as everyone would like it to be, but it's simply me.

What are you talking about? Apart from Imogen Heap it's all indie/punk/hardcore.

[theghost134]

Here's my list for 2005.

Best Cd’s Of 2005
1. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - S/T
2. Wolf Parade – Apologies to the Queen Mary
3. Okkervil River – Black Sheep Boy
4. Copeland - In Motion
5. Death Cab For Cutie – Plans
6. Page France – Hello, Dear Wind
7. Horse the band – The mechanical hand
8. Thrice - Vheissu
9. Gatsby's American Dream – Volcano
10. Ryan Adams – Jacksonville City Nights
11. Circa Survive - Juturna
12. Curl Up And Die - The One Above All, The End Of All That Is
13. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake its Morning
14. Veda – The Weight Of An Empty Room
15. Loftus - Hugs And Drugs
16. Maria Taylor - 11:11
17. Lux Courageous – Reasons That Keep The Ground Near
18. Kevin Devine - Split the Country, Split The Streets
19. Mew – And The Glass Handed Kites
20. Eisley - Room Noises
21. Lydia – This December It’s One More And I’m Free
22. With Resistance – Real Hardcore Kids Have Day Jobs
23. The Hush Sound – So Sudden
24. Dredg – Catch Without Arms
25. Sigur ros - Takk
26. Paramore – All We Know Is Falling
27. The Academy Is – Almost Here
28. Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal
29. Jamison Parker – Sleepwalker
30. Mae – The Everglow

Best Ep’s
1. Jonbenet – The Plot Thickens
2. New Amsterdam’s – Killed Or Cured
3. Jimmy eat world – Stay On My Side Tonight

Top Movies of 2005

1. Cinderella man
2. King Kong
3. Wedding Crashers
4. Crash
5. Sin City
6. A History Of Violence
7. The Chronicles of Narnia : The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe
8. Waiting
9. Batman Begins
10. The 40 Year Old Virgin


Top T.V Shows
1. Arrested Development
2. 24
3. Family Guy

[BackInTheJox]

The sex would be difficult.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahaha ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahah!

[AHMYBRAIN]

10+ nerd points for the Final Fantasy album.

And I mean that as a compliment.

[The Fix]

haha, you think the decemberists are overrated and you listen to cartel

holy mother of god

[G funk]

Jason, you just wait until you listen to that ever we fall CD.
06 is for them.

[Scott Weber]

woot woot. glad to see gatsby's in the top 10.

[piaffeprncess98]

I agree whole-heartedly with you on everything you said about Acceptance. Definately best voice and amazing live. Cartel as well. If I did as comprehensive of a list as you, I would add Seth (I'm pretty sure he sings) from The Higher on best voices, I really like his sound.

[white_emo_punk]

I have to agree with your choice on the spill canvas. I still can't believe alternative press gave them such a low rating, that album was the shit.

[brooklynburning]

woot woot. glad to see gatsby's in the top 10.

me too. good list overall man.

but angels and airwaves not making next big thing or most anticipated releases? then again, we DO only have two 30 second clips...

[leafsacc]

i really liked this list, except for JM being so low.

[Ailite]

Nice list. I'm glad to see Thrice walking away with a good haul.
Except I'd have liked to see Jack Mannequin higher up there, and Death Cab simply on there.

[dan.is.empire]

your list very much mimmicks mine. only question i have is why you consider over it so great.

i saw them live with relient k and rufio and their vocals were completely off and their show was really immature. their cd isn't too bad but they were terrible live.

[Snaps]

You completely forgot Angels and Airwaves..

they are def. my most anticipated band and I whole heartly believe they will be the biggest thing in 2006! Even the snips of there songs kick plus 44 in the balls..and tit's I suppose..

[TimeAsIdeology]

Man, Decembrists as your second most disappointing album of the year? I can understand not liking it enough to put it up on your top 30, considering your affinity for pop rock and the like, but I can't fathom that record disappointing anyone.

[Steve Henderson]

The name of the Decemberists album is fucking PICARESQUE by the way, not "Picturesque"

[kylekillspeople]

the top 2 spots on my list are as neck and neck as they have ever been. this was a tough decision :p
10.The Mars Volta-Scabdates
9. Kanye West-Late Registration
8.Statistics-Often Lie
7.Every Time I Die-Gutter Phenomenon
6.Death Cab For Cutie-Plans
5.The Mars Volta-Frances the Mute
4.Co and Ca-Dear Apollo.............
3. Fall Out Boy-From Beneath The Cork Tree
2. Thrice-Vheissu
1. Ryan Adams- Cold Roses

[pastepunk]

Thanks for the zine shout out Jason, that was unexpected and highly appreciated.

[Scott Weber]

The name of the Decemberists album is fucking PICARESQUE by the way, not "Picturesque"
asshole much?

[Steve Henderson]

Thanks for the zine shout out Jason, that was unexpected and highly appreciated.
I thought for sure it would be UBM...but we got beef!

[Steve Henderson]

asshole much?
Nah but it happened many times on the soundscan numbers...just needed to correct.

Stop getting so defensive lady.

[HeartLikeAGun27]

Great picks for the songs of '05. I agree with The Spill Canvas being #1 (and for the same reasons). However, Let Go's s/t could replace any in your top albums.

[Scuba Chris]

I enjoyed the list, and won't really offer any comments on rankings because it's your opinion and any disagreements are just that, disagreements of opinion, but I had to reply for one reason. I had been hearing all about Cartel on this website, and I haven't really gotten around to listening to them. I figured they were probably alright, so I downloaded their Christmas song off of AOL music. Very solid. That was like two weeks ago. Then randomly at work today I was cruising around purevolume and decided to open the Cartel music player. "Honestly" starts blaring into my headphones and I just sat there in awe. After 30 seconds, I said to myself "This is the catchiest fucking song I have ever heard". Then I check out your list a couple hours later and you have it listed as the number 1 catchiest song of the year... it was just kinda weird to me.

[NameTaken69]

i agree 100% on the song of the year, nothing even comes close to the minstrels prayer

[albatrossxivy]

27) Limbeck - Let Me Come Home
should be top 10

[sweetfootaction]

I definitely agree that Sufjan Stevens is over-hyped. I'm so sick of hearing about that guy it makes me sick! You definitely hit the nail on the head with that one.

[IceTech]

my top 10:

1) Mae - The Everglow
2) Copeland - In Motion
3) Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV...
4) The Starting Line - Based On A True Story
5) Coldplay - X&Y
6) Emery - The Question
7) Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
8) The Rocket Summer - Hello, Good Friend
9) Gatsby's American Dream - Volcano
10) Fall Out Boy - From Under The Cork Tree

most disappointing album:
TIE! Jack's Mannequin - Everything In Transit AND All American Rejects - Move Along

best song (also most catchy):
The Starting Line - The World

most anticipated in 06':
The Early November triple disc

[Duck]

Yeah, The Spill Canvas are amazing. I wouldn't have heard of them if it wasn't for this site. 'Staplegunned' rules. Totally agree about the lyrics too. I would have thought Chroma would have been higher, and they are catchy as hell.

A band making huge news down here in Oz is Kisschasy, their release this year was very solid. I think they could take the US by storm.

[LPMagic]

Top Albums of 2005

23) Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise
22) Spitalfield - Stop Doing Bad Things

You really think Spitalfield's album is better than Sufjan's...

Honorable Mention
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
... and Death Cab's??

Worst (Most Disappointing) Albums of 2005

03) Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah
I completely agree with you on the other three albums you mentioned in this section, but Clap Your Hands Say Yeah should not be on a worst albums list. There's no justification for it, as I could list off a dozen albums that are simply horrible from this year. As for disappointing, I don't really see how you could be disappointed with a band that had never released anything before. I guess I just took this one a little personal. I understand you not liking it because of the vocals (see my list linked in my sig - #2), but to call it the third worst album of 2005 is ludicris.

Most Overrated Band

01) Sufjan Stevens

I fucking love this CD, but for the life of me can't figure out why everyone went as nuts as they did over it. Now I know how other people feel when I "over-hype" something.
This one I might be taking personal too, but when you realize the makeup of the album (length, number of instruments used, the amount of time Sufjan spent researching the state of Illinois, lyrics, and just sheer brilliance), I really think there is no possible way the "hype" can not be met. If anyone deserves hype / credit / a larger fanbase, it's Sufjan Stevens.

Band(s) Most Pimped By AP.net

02) The Spill Canvas
01) Thrice
I think most would agree that Cartel was pimped equally, if not more, than those two.

Either way, great lists Tate. I know I rag on you a lot, but I appreciate the work you put into the site and the time you spend on here. Happy Holidays man...

- Jeff

[yeknom]

hm

[yeknom]

I definitely agree that Sufjan Stevens is over-hyped. I'm so sick of hearing about that guy it makes me sick! You definitely hit the nail on the head with that one.
no

[Chico]

nice list. I found it quite interesting.

[StartingLine182]

Im very surprised to not see Bright Eyes on almost anyones list. I think because it came out in January(pretty sure on that). I still think your list is pretty good.

[Comandante]

Big in 06 - Hellogoodbye

[when 4ever ends]

Over rated bands


04) Tokyo Rose
03) Acceptance
02) Over It
01) Cartel

all time low!?!?!

[heytheredelilah]

jasonvenajasonvenajasonvena<333

[kg00d]

off music comment

batman begins has to be one of my tops too and 24 season 4 was amazing and season 5 looks amazing from what i've seen so far.

[dave vegan]

decemberists AND clap your hands as most disappointing? ouch

that's exactly what i was thinking.

[poppunkJMUchick]

biggest sellout = TBS... have you HEARD of fallout boy?

[azlisa]

interesting how PATD isnt in your favorite albums, yet theyre best band of 05.

[Jason Tate]

biggest sellout = TBS... have you HEARD of fallout boy?
I don't know how Fall Out Boy could have sold out, they were always a huge band. The TBS thing is a total joke because of Adam's latest journal entry on their website. Not really being serious with that one!

[Jason Tate]

interesting how PATD isnt in your favorite albums, yet theyre best band of 05.
Based (imo) on how they broke out in a huge way.

[lackofcolour 13]

yeah. the Decemberists call is BS. Plus i dont understand how people like the straylight EP. all in all though, its pretty sound.

[Greg Dona]

... and I think the Decemberists' album was Picaresque and not Picturesque, but I'm not really sure.

[A_Passing_Hero]

i dont agree with a lot of it but, i respect your opinion hah.;)

[neo506]

This one I might be taking personal too, but when you realize the makeup of the album (length, number of instruments used, the amount of time Sufjan spent researching the state of Illinois, lyrics, and just sheer brilliance), I really think there is no possible way the "hype" can not be met. If anyone deserves hype / credit / a larger fanbase, it's Sufjan Stevens.


Thats true, however (I think)his older albums were better.

[tambo41187]

yeah. the Decemberists call is BS. Plus i dont understand how people like the straylight EP. all in all though, its pretty sound.
First of all i don't know if Tate is saying that the album is bad, just not what he expected. I think alot of people are under the impression that the Decemberists is in his worst of 05 list when it's not.

Second it's pretty easy to like the Straylight EP, it's good.

[IwishIwasCool]

Though I disagree on probably about 90% of your list, it's all good because we're just have different tastes. The only problem I see is this: I would have to say that your "best live show" category is WAY too biased. TREOS is damn right, they were amazing both times I saw them this year, lots of energy, great sound, just an all-around amazing band. Cartel was OK, they had energy, but nothing amazing, nothing to make them stand out. Acceptance has a really boring live show, and I had to watch them twice this year Jason Vena just kind of stands there (or sits at the piano) and just sings, total snooze fest. As for Thrice, I love them, but there live show just is not that amazing. I've seen them a ton over the past few years, and this year was probably their least impressive preformance. Now, I do think that if you love the music, the live show will always be good, but you should be judging on a more level playing field (imo) If you are looking for impressive live shows I recommend the following: These Arms are Snakes, The Bled, Read Yellow, Idiot Pilot, Blood Brothers, the Fall of Troy, Choidos, Men Women and Children, and Every Time I Die. These bands put on amazing live shows, not just because of the music, but because they go absolutely crazy and you can see the amount of passion they have because of how much they get into it.

[Jason Tate]

Though I disagree on probably about 90% of your list, it's all good because we're just have different tastes. The only problem I see is this: I would have to say that your "best live show" category is WAY too biased. TREOS is damn right, they were amazing both times I saw them this year, lots of energy, great sound, just an all-around amazing band. Cartel was OK, they had energy, but nothing amazing, nothing to make them stand out. Acceptance has a really boring live show, and I had to watch them twice this year Jason Vena just kind of stands there (or sits at the piano) and just sings, total snooze fest. As for Thrice, I love them, but there live show just is not that amazing. I've seen them a ton over the past few years, and this year was probably their least impressive preformance. Now, I do think that if you love the music, the live show will always be good, but you should be judging on a more level playing field (imo) If you are looking for impressive live shows I recommend the following: These Arms are Snakes, The Bled, Read Yellow, Idiot Pilot, Blood Brothers, the Fall of Troy, Choidos, Men Women and Children, and Every Time I Die. These bands put on amazing live shows, not just because of the music, but because they go absolutely crazy and you can see the amount of passion they have because of how much they get into it.
I'll make sure to check those bands out in the near future! Thanks for the recs. Second, thanks for understanding that everyone has different opinions on music, it's always amazing and makes me feel good when someone else "gets it." Much appreciated!

[Snails]

great picks jason! i'm just interested... did you forget lorene drive or did it not make your top lists? i thought it was awesome!

[Scott Weber]

great picks jason! i'm just interested... did you forget lorene drive or did it not make your top lists? i thought it was awesome!
Yeah I was suprised not to see that on your list, considering it's so high in your audioscrobbler. Did it just die on you, or what?

[Ambulance X]

Most anticipated albums of 06...Cursive, and Murder By Death

[noles05]

ain't no hollaback boy...

you mean cobra starship?

[timmysavedlatin]

much respect tate on naming punknews the best "other" zine.

[edit] also, a lot of respect for NOT putting panic! in your top 30. i know a lot of people LOVE this band, and i respect the fact that they blew up with barely any help (other than a huge tour), but yeah...this band bugs (my opinion ofcourse)

[Pass The Flask]

good call on the spill canvas.

[Salomonbz90]

good call on "So Contagious" as number 1 song..thats such a great song from am amazing band

[DeadCityScars]

Awesome list. I saw the Spill Canvas CD the other day and I was thinking about buying it just because you really liked it and the new Thrice. I think I will next time. (I bought Sounds of Animals Fighting, which wasn't so bad).

[TheUntitled]

I wish TREOS would have climbed a bit higher, but hey what are ya gonna do.

[halfamile]

Very well done! I must say...this site as a whole (the moderators that is) is not only an impressive showing of class, respectfulness, and fairness, but you also know what you are talking about. I certainly don't feel the same about quite a few things on the list, but that's WHY this site exists, and I hope people come to see that. The point is to know what the writers are into, and decide FOR YOURSELF what to listen to based on their opinion.

I've said it a few times before...I really hope people can see how big this site really is. This is a part of music history. Sure, I've only got like 100 posts, but I've been a long time visitor, and I've watched this site grow in an erie way. so I tip my hat to you, Jason. most impressive

oh, and The Militia Group as the label of the year made my day. of course

[oldwirehands]

I wasn't expecting much from your list but it suprised me. I like it a lot. My favorite part is your solid reasonings for it. My biggest pet peev is when people don't back up their opinion or don't back it up well. You did a great job. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a great new year. I'll be floating around AP.net forever because its cool and I have nothing else to do.

Cheers.

[Steve Henderson]

... and I think the Decemberists' album was Picaresque and not Picturesque, but I'm not really sure.
Already pointed that out.

[thexflamesxburn]

ahhhhhhhh coheed coheed coheed cmon jason! where's your head!?

[thexflamesxburn]

I wasn't expecting much from your list but it suprised me. I like it a lot. My favorite part is your solid reasonings for it. My biggest pet peev is when people don't back up their opinion or don't back it up well. You did a great job. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a great new year. I'll be floating around AP.net forever because its cool and I have nothing else to do.

Cheers.
as they always say in business....an opinion is worth nothing, it's how you back it up.

[oldwirehands]

as they always say in business....an opinion is worth nothing, it's how you back it up.

In the music business, you're opinion is worth everything. If you have a strong and respected opinion, you can make a lot of money. You don't need an education, just a respected opinion.

[OtherBen]

Honestly man, Sufjan is amazing and you think the Decemberists and Clap Your Hands records were overated? Jesus. I don't know where to begin.

[Rohan Kohli]

Honestly man, Sufjan is amazing and you think the Decemberists and Clap Your Hands records were overated? Jesus. I don't know where to begin.

God damn him for having an opinion.

[whiteknightdtr]

I like how you praise Acceptance because I feel they deserve it, but I also like how you recognize that 'Different' was weak. I felt that the vocals were a weak version of Coldplay, especially in the lines, 'I wanted to be, anything different...' Don't get me wrong, I think their album, Phantoms, was really solid, I just didn't fall for that track.

[Scott Weber]

Honestly man, Sufjan is amazing and you think the Decemberists and Clap Your Hands records were overated? Jesus. I don't know where to begin.
Why is that weird? I love Sufjan, and you have to admit that is voice is a lot easier to stomach than the other 2. I also love Decemberists, but I can totally see how somebody would not be able to get into him as opposed to Sufjan. I personally think Clap Your Hands sucks balls, while The Decemberists is almost in my top 10 as well as Sufjan. it's called an OPINION, so deal with it.

[indie_ira]

I agree whole-heartedly with you on everything you said about Acceptance. Definately best voice and amazing live. Cartel as well. If I did as comprehensive of a list as you, I would add Seth (I'm pretty sure he sings) from The Higher on best voices, I really like his sound.

me too.... i love his voice

[Thomas Sway]

decemberists AND clap your hands as most disappointing? ouch

no kidding. I think Jason and I had like..3 of the same albums on our list.

[Boring Pop Song]

man, i love the decemberists album so much, but we all have our own taste i guess

[Sureshot182]

great list! cartle love, good job. you have created the best website on the internet, tied with myspace of course. keep up the amazing work! thank you for creating this place for all of us. :)

[piebaldkid42]

i was surprised mae wasnt on there at all, but i guess that may have gotten lost in the mix

[jaimej]

Not even a mention of Circa Survive. Forget it or was there a reason?

[dukeboy1986]

Lost and Desperate Housewives should have made the top TV Shows list!

[tremulant14]

I think your list is great, I have like 3/4 of the cds that you listed under your top 30, and I couldn't agree more. It must be really hard to, because there are so many great cds to be accounted for.. I would definately have put panic! up there though, and the fully down cd.

[thehigherstar]

I'm glad "The Minstrels Prayer" was your favorite song. Its an amazing song.

[HapaGirl]

How is Arrested Development not on the top TV shows list? So ridiculously funny!

[fretmaster07]

wow, i actually agree with a lot of this... im surprised.

[Steve Henderson]

Not even a mention of Circa Survive. Forget it or was there a reason?
Amen...album of the year...

[Imallout007]

jason how could u not have hipv in that list.. hipv is one of the most underrated bands out there and there self titled album went under the radar this whole year

[Melissa Johnson]

I smiled at your last two honorable mentions...I think you know why.

[ChadisTHEChad]

It was all vocals for me on that one .. I could have gotten into the music I just really didn't like the vocals .. at all.

judging from your list, for you to like a band's vocals, they have to be straight from the throat and then autotuned until they sound less than human. does that basically cover it?

[BrandnewJGVB]

Thrice was ballin.

[Bury Your Head]

how bout the new finch cd?
come on musically and lyrically its gotta be in honorable mention
and i actually think even tho new ax7 lyrics wise sucks and the guys are assholes that dont deserve success the actual music is talented.
and vhisshu rocks but id be lying if i didnt say i want their next album to be more of the old style.

[Jason Tate]

judging from your list, for you to like a band's vocals, they have to be straight from the throat and then autotuned until they sound less than human. does that basically cover it?
I'd be curious to know what bands you think are auto-tuned on my list, minus the obvious backup vocals on 2 of the CDs, and the stylistic autotuning on Imogen Heap. I can tell you my top five doesn't include much, if any (not sure about Thrice) auto-tune and my number one doesn't have any at all... I have a big guess that you really have no idea what auto-tune is first of all, second of all absolutely no idea how it's used or why.

:rolleyes:

[baton]

what's about those TBS journal entries? sorry if it has been asked here, too many pages, i can't find

[smelltheglove]

thank you for your hard work this year jason, and your website. i look forward to 2006! i will go buy acceptance and days away based on your recommendation, and maybe some of the others.

my top 10, not that anyone cares

1.fall out boy
2.bright eyes
3.311
4.allister
5.suicide machines
6.thirce
7.cartel
8.motion city sdtrk
9.academy is
10.jacks mannequin/plain white t's tie

honorable mention: jack johnson

[NonOperational]

jason, buddy...... go buy nip tuck seasons 1 and 2 right now

then get back to me

[_christine]

jason tate, you are a very wise man.

[_christine]

jason, buddy...... go buy nip tuck seasons 1 and 2 right now

then get back to me

wasn't season 3 so sad (sad, as in bad) though?

nip/tuck, will it ever be the same again?

[ChadisTHEChad]

I'd be curious to know what bands you think are auto-tuned on my list, minus the obvious backup vocals on 2 of the CDs, and the stylistic autotuning on Imogen Heap. I can tell you my top five doesn't include much, if any (not sure about Thrice) auto-tune and my number one doesn't have any at all... I have a big guess that you really have no idea what auto-tune is first of all, second of all absolutely no idea how it's used or why.

:rolleyes:
your top 5 albums don't include a huge amount of autotuning.
but your "best vocals" category really is full of it.

and second, I'm a music business major, i've seen many demonstrations of the Auto Tune feature in Pro Tools. The most popular Auto Tuning Program is Antares' Auto Tune 4. Auto Tune 4 features both an Automatic Mode as well as a Graphical Mode. The Automatic Mode allows you to input the key of any given song and it will bend notes that may be out of the given key within it's parameters. The Graphical Mode is used for much more exact autotuning. In Graphical Mode, the user of the program can completely change the note that was sung (this is how the entire [awful] Hawthorne Heights album was made, auto-tuned melodies that differed from what their singer originally recorded).

I'd say I have a fairly good knowledge of "what auto-tune is" and "how it's used and why". do you?

[NonOperational]

i actually liked the end of season 3. can't wait to see how they play out season 4 with the son and the tranny as fugitives for murder.

[XPrettyXWasteX]

i'm not huge on thrice and they were mentioned a lot on this list. im glad the Northstar dvd got mentioned, and i'm glad you didn't completely leave out Fall Out Boy. Didn't I Am The Avalanche come out this year? That was a pretty sweet album I thought. I enjoyed Over It and MCS as well.

Some of those "Underrated" bands aren't really that underrated. And I don't completely agree with the best vocals list. "Most Anticipated" - Saves the Day by faaaaar. I'm sorry, but the thought that the new STD album is supposed to be more like TBC and CSD beats anything Brand New would put out now (considering Deja which I wasn't stoked on).

And of course I've gotta disagree with it - TBS as one of the most sold out? Please. I guess I'm still waiting for the hating to move on.

[IPS Josh]

Pretty nice list. Kevin Devine deserves much better, though. Still, pretty nice list.

JOSH

[druck]

gatsbys should be mentioned for hardest working band. do they ever stop touring?

[DaveFeelsRight]

God, i sure hope Brand New isn't big in 06.

[Imallout007]

no hidden in plain view? one of the more underrated band and there album was great

[brook183]

pitchfork gave thrice's the illusion of safety a 6/10, and you consider it to be a great site?!

[BornUnderPunches]

pitchfork gave thrice's the illusion of safety a 6/10, and you consider it to be a great site?!
This is the list for 2005...?

[brook183]

This is the list for 2005...?
i know. but the site didnt change much from 2002 to 2005..

[BornUnderPunches]

i know. but the site didnt change much from 2002 to 2005..
wait...pitchfork or absolutepunk?

[brook183]

pitchfork. they gave illusion of safety a 60/100, which is widely regarded as one of the finest post-hardcore albums ever recorded. i dont agree with almost any of pitchforks reviews

whoa, i either posted my original post to the wrong thread, or i was high and misread his list of fav other sites. he never mentions pitchfork here haha

sorry for any confusion..