Melissa Johnson

[Melissa Johnson]

Top Albums of 2006

15. The Fray- How to Save a Life (Yes it came out in 2005, but I discovered it this year)
14. Taking Back Sunday- Louder Now
13. The Matches- Decomposer
12. Cobra Starship- When the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets
11. Saves the Day- Sound the Alarm
10. Between the Trees- The Story, The Song
09. John Mayer- Continuum
08. Quietdrive- When All That's Left is You
07. New Found Glory- Coming Home
06. Gym Class Heroes- As Cruel as School Children
05. Brand New- The Devil and God are Raging Inside of Me
04. Plus 44- When Your Heart Stops Beating
03. Brand New - Demos
02. The Format- Dog Problems
01. Park- Building a Better ___

Honorable Mentions

- My Chemical Romance- Welcome to the Black Parade
- Saosin- Saosin
- Spitalfield- Better Than Knowing Where You Are

I'm a big pop-punk fan as you can see by my list. For me, 2006 was a hard year to put into a list, most CDs didn't grab my attention enough. The CDs on my list are all of the albums released in 2006 that I could actually sit through and not stop or skip any of the tracks the first couple of listens. (I have a bad habit once I get accustomed to a CD to skip over tracks, and I'll fully admit I may skip a track or two whenever I listen to any of the albums on my list now.) Most may not agree with my list, which is fine, that's why it's my list. It's all personal opinion and what the albums mean to you. My top three specifically mean a lot to me, seeing as how I have a personal connection with my number 1 CD, and the others were CDs that got me through a 5 day hospital stay and recovery.

Top EPs of 2006

02. Sherwood- The Summer EP
01. The Graduate- Horrorshow EP

Worst Albums of 2006

10. Yellowcard- Lights and Sounds
09. Matchbook Romance- Voices
08. Angels and Airwaves- We Don't Need to Whisper
07. Hellogoodbye- Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
06. Halifax- The Inevitability of a Strange World
05. Gatsbys American Dream- Self-Titled
04. Hawthorne Heights- If Only You Were Lonely
03. Senses Fail- Still Searching
02. Panic! At the Disco- A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
01. Cute is What We Aim For- Same Of Blood Rush With a New Touch

These aren't necessarily the WORST albums released, just the ones I couldn't sit through long enough or expected more from when I listened to them, okay and some were the worst albums in 2006 for me. Panic! At the Disco re-released their album 5,000 different ways this year. That marketing alone gets them number 2 on my list.


Best "New" Band

Tie goes to: Between the Trees/The Graduate/Scenes from a Movie

Best Music Videos of 2006

02. Welcome to the Black Parade- My Chemical Romance
01. Papercut Skin- The Matches

Best Lyrics of 2006

03. Nate Ruess- The Format
02. Jesse Lacey- Brand New
01. Ladd Mitchell- Park

I know there's going to be a bunch of Brand New fans ready to burn me at the stake for putting Ladd ahead of Jesse, but everything Ladd has written, especially on their latest release, has had more of a personal connection and impact on me this year than Lacey's lyrics, which come in at a very close second. Nate's on the list because the guy knows how to write a damn infectious pop-song.


Biggest Sellouts

03. Cute is What We Aim For
02. From First to Last
01. Panic! at the Disco

Best Live Show

05. Houston Calls
04. Anberlin
03. Park
02. The Format
01. Brand New

Most Overrated Band

02. From First to Last
01. Panic! At the Disco

Honorable Mention: Cute is What We Aim For

Not only can I not get into either of the these bands, but everything about both seems a bit over the top. All of the drama surrounding FFTL this year plus the hype and of Panic and the fact that every other month they want to re-issue their debut album basically makes me want to give them a gold star with "Overrated" written on it. Plus, boys shouldn't wear more make up or have longer hair than I do. Period.

Most Underrated Bands

05. Gym Class Heroes
04. Between the Trees
03. The Graduate
02. The Format
01. Park

Best Single

05. Papercut Skin- The Matches
04. It's Not Your Fault- New Found Glory
03. When Your Heart Stops Beating- Plus 4402. Dog Problems- The Format
01. Chasing Cars- Snow Patrol

Best B-Side

01. Demo #4- Brand New


Band of the Year

Park- they pretty much took every category for me in 2006.

Honorable Mention: The Format

Bands Most Pimped by AP.net

05. Over It
04. Spitalfield
03. Gatsby's American Dream
02. The Format
01. Brand New


Bands Most Pimped By Me

07. Gym Class Heroes
06. Scenes from a Movie
05. The Graduate
04. The Audition
03. June
02. Houston Calls
01. Park

Crack it up to nepotism. Most of the bands I whore on AP are bands that I've known for over 2 years. Most I consider good friends, and most of which sent me well wishes when I needed them most, which I can't thank them for enough. Park I whore because more kids need to listen them. They're better than that CIWWAF band you're listening to, promise.

Best Movies of 2006

06. Casino Royale
05. The Last Kiss
04. Thank You For Smoking
03. Happy Feet
02. The Departed
01. The Prestige

Best TV Shows of 2006

06. Anything CSI
05. Grey's Anatomy
04. Anything on CourtTV
03. Heroes
02. Scrubs
01. House

I'm a huge crime and medical show nerd. I'd like to thank my sophomore chemistry teacher, Mr. Ptacek, for hooking me onto this habit by playing CourtTV cases for us during class. Heroes is one of the first non-medical, non-crime show to hook me into. Mostly because there's still that added mystery to it, like most of the shows I watch have.

Next Big Things For 2007

06. Between the Trees
05. The Graduate
04. Scenes from a Movie
03. theAUDITION
02. Cartel
01. Gym Class Heroes

There's tons of buzz around the top 3 picks going on as of late. The 4th, 5th, and 6th picks are newly signed bands. Look for them to make a splash in 2007.

Most Anticipated CDs of 2007

In no order whatsoever:

- Motion City Soundtrack
- Relient K
- Anberlin
- Fall Out Boy
- Say Anything
- The Starting Line
- June
- Houston Calls
- theAUDITION
- Jimmy Eat World
- Scenes From a Movie

These bands all had CDs in 2004 and 2005 that I still spin frequently, which has me excited for their releases in 2007. The bands on the list that I know, I can't wait to see what they've come up with and how much they've grown since I saw them release their debut CDs in 2005.

Saddest Band Break Up of 2006

02. This Day & Age
01. *Removed: no official announcement as of yet*

Best Songs of 2006

10. White Lines & Red Lights- Between the Trees
09. The Matches- Salty Eyes
08. Gym Class Heroes- Clothes Off!/ Viva La White Girl
07. Plus 44- Lillian/Little Death
06. New Found Glory- Hold My Hand
05. Jesus Christ- Brand New
04. She Doesn't Get It- The Format
03. John Mayer- Gravity
02. Demo #4- Brand New
01. Mississippi Burning- Park

[Jason Tate]

http://www.knitemare.org/cats/kittenpantzlp2.jpg

[12:46AM]

boy you guys sure are cute











:puke:

[southline]

under 'honorable mentions'
Spitalfield's new cd was "Better Knowing Than Where You Are"

"Remember Right Now" was 2 albums ago.

both are amazing though, so i agree

[sdbrown]

I love your taste in...everything. And I definitely think GCH is going to blow up big time. Nice list!

[rosematter]

Yeah for Park. I'm glad some people continue to consider them one of the best bands out there still. Maybe someday they'll get the fans and record sales they truly deserve.

[Melissa Johnson]

under 'honorable mentions'
Spitalfield's new cd was "Better Knowing Than Where You Are"

"Remember Right Now" was 2 albums ago.

both are amazing though, so i agree

Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't get time to edit and review before it was launched at 2am. :-(

[jusscali]

no announcement yet :(

who is it!?

[jusscali]

props for recognizing how great the graduate is.

anhedonia is gonna be great!

[dubey]

Have you listened to any of the older Park albums? They are capable of a whole lot more than they showed in their new album.

[nateisbliss]

COULDN'T agree more with your 2 overrated bands of the year.

and i'm glad you mentioned the park cd...i think it was pretty underrated as well. it took a while to grow on me, but it's definitely a solid release.

lastly i'm incredibly relieved that you mentioned senses fail - still searching in your worst albums. a lot of people i know seemed to love it, and i thought it was so sub-par and screamed nothing more than mediocrity.

i like the way you think.

[DreamOfUnity]

Eh.

[sweetforever]

props on putting The Prestige as movie of the year, I agree whole heartedly

[losethegirl]

So many props for mentioning Anberlin + Houston Calls. I love love love those two bands and they consistently wow me with their live shows. Plus they are just nice genuine guys. I can't wait for the new albums form both of them

My only disagreement was Senses Fail. It took some time to grow on me but with each listen I feel like it is VASTLY improved and so much more relateable then their past stuff. Truth be told I didn't even like their last stuff all that much, maybe that is why I like the new stuff.

[drive-thru]

houston calls is amazing live, i'm glad they were on your list

[Melissa Johnson]

Have you listened to any of the older Park albums? They are capable of a whole lot more than they showed in their new album.
I have all of their albums. Listened to all of them from beginning to end last week actually.

[astaticskyline]

Your list beats every other staff members list, for sure. Mostly for placing Park in your #1 spot, plus the GCH and Format are right up there as well.

props :)

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individua l&videoID=1580880346%20

Aaron

[JimmyRifle]

this is the first time (for whatever reason) i have seen your photo...and I have determined that I would not mind banging you silly.

[NJUNDERDOG]

great list i agree with alot of whats on there. but didnt panic come out in 2005.

[TgE ARTdamage]

props for putting park down as album of the year!

[petey536]

this is the first time (for whatever reason) i have seen your photo...and I have determined that I would not mind banging you silly.
thats not sketchy or anything

[Melissa Johnson]

COULDN'T agree more with your 2 overrated bands of the year.

and i'm glad you mentioned the park cd...i think it was pretty underrated as well. it took a while to grow on me, but it's definitely a solid release.

lastly i'm incredibly relieved that you mentioned senses fail - still searching in your worst albums. a lot of people i know seemed to love it, and i thought it was so sub-par and screamed nothing more than mediocrity.

i like the way you think.

So many props for mentioning Anberlin + Houston Calls. I love love love those two bands and they consistently wow me with their live shows. Plus they are just nice genuine guys. I can't wait for the new albums form both of them

My only disagreement was Senses Fail. It took some time to grow on me but with each listen I feel like it is VASTLY improved and so much more relateable then their past stuff. Truth be told I didn't even like their last stuff all that much, maybe that is why I like the new stuff.

I've never ever been able to get into Senses Fail. I've listened to their EP, their debut, and the new CD and it just never has been able to grab me. I also tend to judge bands on how they perform live, and I've seen them twice before, and neither impressed me enough to want to give their CDs a few more spins. I have a tendency to follow the "If I can't enjoy them live, I can't enjoy them through audio" thing.

great list i agree with alot of whats on there. but didnt panic come out in 2005.
It was released in 2005, but they re-released it in everyway they possibly could in 2006 which made it completely lame.

[JimmyRifle]

thats not sketchy or anything

i just tell it like it is. And though she will deny it, somewhere deep in side she wonders what it would be like to take it. You know, not like you take it from someone who has a had sex a grand total of 3 times, but from someone who bangs strippers (yes, plural) in Vegas hotel rooms just for kicks and then does not share his coke with them.

I'd share with her though. I'd even let her keep the hundred dollar bills that we rolled up to snort it with.

Yup, Im the guy boyfriends hate because they KNOW theat even when their girlfriends are going home with them at night they are always wishing they were with guys like us. But they keep on saying "but I love YOU honey".

[Melissa Johnson]

I have a boyfriend. Very happy to say that I prefer a happy, healthy, stable relationship like the one I am currently in compared to what you're describing.

[beckettlove]

I think I agree with almost everything.

Especially GCH and the Matches.

[Jason Tate]

this is the first time (for whatever reason) i have seen your photo...and I have determined that I would not mind banging you silly.

Now that's just not smart.

[Punk The Clock]

Brilliant-PARK, THE AUDITION, CARTEL.

[12:46AM]

i just tell it like it is. And though she will deny it, somewhere deep in side she wonders what it would be like to take it. You know, not like you take it from someone who has a had sex a grand total of 3 times, but from someone who bangs strippers (yes, plural) in Vegas hotel rooms just for kicks and then does not share his coke with them.

I'd share with her though. I'd even let her keep the hundred dollar bills that we rolled up to snort it with.

Yup, Im the guy boyfriends hate because they KNOW theat even when their girlfriends are going home with them at night they are always wishing they were with guys like us. But they keep on saying "but I love YOU honey".
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahah hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahaha hahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahah ahha.


if that little self-indulgent blurb actually is true, which i HIGHLY, HIGHLY doubt, then you are, hands down, no competition, the biggest douche i have ever seen on this website. and ap is chock full of douches.

also, you live a shallow, meaningless life and i honestly feel sorry for you and hope that you grow up and stop being such a ***. no one cares how many ugly, std ridden hookers (yes, plural) you banged. not one person will think you're cool because you attempt to commit suicide daily via cocaine. and you must be delusional if you think that girls wish that they were with you.

and if you made all this up (which i'm sure you did), then that's just as sad.

you're pathetic. no one thinks you're sweet. grow up.

[StevieShotgun]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahah hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahaha hahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahah ahha.


if that little self-indulgent blurb actually is true, which i HIGHLY, HIGHLY doubt, then you are, hands down, no competition, the biggest douche i have ever seen on this website. and ap is chock full of douches.

also, you live a shallow, meaningless life and i honestly feel sorry for you and hope that you grow up and stop being such a ***. no one cares how many ugly, std ridden hookers (yes, plural) you banged. not one person will think you're cool because you attempt to commit suicide daily via cocaine. and you must be delusional if you think that girls wish that they were with you.

and if you made all this up (which i'm sure you did), then that's just as sad.

you're pathetic. no one thinks you're sweet. grow up.

you just spent alot of time replying to somthing that was clearly a joke.

[falloutdrea19]

this was a great list. and i definitely have to agree with you that the saddest break-up was this day and age.

[jeremyb]

thanks for the love mel!
-btt

[updownleftright]

Have you listened to any of the older Park albums? They are capable of a whole lot more than they showed in their new album.

agreed.

between the trees though. heck yeah, theyve been my ringtone for a few months now. puts me in a good mood everytime i get a call.

[artistntheamb]

it sucks park broke up

[Thisisntright]

no rookie of the year? www.myspace.com/rookieoftheyear serious?

[itsnotthateasy]

I was curious if you could explain to me how Cute Is What We Aim For or Panic! sold out? They are both new bands on Fueled by, correct? This is just what they are. Panic! comes from Las Vegas, and I think that explains why they perform, instead of just sing, not to mention their live show is truly incredible. But selling out seems to be an inaccurate term. You might dislike them, even hate, but I don't believe they have sold out. I mean, I am assuming you never were implying that they were disappointing albums, because that too would be curious...How much did you expect from them if that was the case...

Thanks - Not trying to start a fight, just confused.

[Melissa Johnson]

I was curious if you could explain to me how Cute Is What We Aim For or Panic! sold out? They are both new bands on Fueled by, correct? This is just what they are. Panic! comes from Las Vegas, and I think that explains why they perform, instead of just sing, not to mention their live show is truly incredible. But selling out seems to be an inaccurate term. You might dislike them, even hate, but I don't believe they have sold out. I mean, I am assuming you never were implying that they were disappointing albums, because that too would be curious...How much did you expect from them if that was the case...

Thanks - Not trying to start a fight, just confused.
Re-issuing an album several different times (I'll also point out that this album only came out Winter 2005) just to get money from their fans isn't selling out? Telling a girl you can't date her because you're famous and have to be single isn't being an asshole and selling out? Having your album sound completely different from what the demos you released pre-signing because you'll make more money and gain the MTV crowd isn't selling out?

[Chris Fallon]

Park at #1? I like your moxie, girl. You have a good list. Me like.

[itsnotthateasy]

Re-issuing an album several different times (I'll also point out that this album only came out Winter 2005) just to get money from their fans isn't selling out? Telling a girl you can't date her because you're famous and have to be single isn't being an asshole and selling out? Having your album sound completely different from what the demos you released pre-signing because you'll make more money and gain the MTV crowd isn't selling out?
Two things...

1. I don't know anything about the, "got to be single, to be famous, asshole" stuff. If that is true, than yes, that is rude. Not really selling out. Still, I'd argue, that it probably does make sense to be single on the road and two, whoever did this, is not alone. I'd bet some other members of bands have done similar things, maybe even some of your favorites. I do not know how you heard of this either, if it wasn't straight from the source or if you weren't there watching to hear it, the story may have been misrepresented by now.

2. Then, this demo thing. I actually know what you're talking about here. I was a little upset about it, because I liked the demos (but didn't dislike the new versions either); I happened to have heard of them by the September before their record came out. But the songs were just barely changed and were cleaned up through production...Is that selling out...sure, in a form of the word of course. But calling them out on it while forgetting all the countless other bands who have changed demos to cleaner versions (for radio and public purposes) seems ridiculously unfair. Panic!, even with the original demos, would have been a for sure hit. A MTV hit. I actually think both versions of Nails are great, anyways. The first is a slower, seeming acoustic at times, but still enjoyable. It makes sense to have changed it too, to go along with the rest of their albums feel and outlook.

Thanks, I appreciate genuine talks about music.

[Jason Tate]

Two things...

1. I don't know anything about the, "got to be single, to be famous, asshole" stuff. If that is true, than yes, that is rude. Not really selling out. Still, I'd argue, that it probably does make sense to be single on the road and two, whoever did this, is not alone. I'd bet some other members of bands have done similar things, maybe even some of your favorites. I do not know how you heard of this either, if it wasn't straight from the source or if you weren't there watching to hear it, the story may have been misrepresented by now.

2. Then, this demo thing. I actually know what you're talking about here. I was a little upset about it, because I liked the demos (but didn't dislike the new versions either); I happened to have heard of them by the September before their record came out. But the songs were just barely changed and were cleaned up through production...Is that selling out...sure, in a form of the word of course. But calling them out on it while forgetting all the countless other bands who have changed demos to cleaner versions (for radio and public purposes) seems ridiculously unfair. Panic!, even with the original demos, would have been a for sure hit. A MTV hit. I actually think both versions of Nails are great, anyways. The first is a slower, seeming acoustic at times, but still enjoyable. It makes sense to have changed it too, to go along with the rest of their albums feel and outlook.

Thanks, I appreciate genuine talks about music.
The band's milked their catalog dry - and siphoned every penny from their fans they can off this one release. Selling a "box set" for 50$ - can only, ONLY, be described as selling out.

[thebestkylever]

park fucking broke up?

[itsnotthateasy]

The band's milked their catalog dry - and siphoned every penny from their fans they can off this one release. Selling a "box set" for 50$ - can only, ONLY, be described as selling out.

I am not saying I disagree, but I do wonder, if it were their sophomore or later album, would it be acceptable to sell a box set? Or is that price high (I am not familar with pricing off the top of my head for box sets)? I feel like most bands put out things like this, rehashing albums and songs. No one forces the fans to repurchase. The fans should make a point and stop buying these things and then they will stop being marketed. If their wasn't a market for them then they wouldn't be available.

[Melissa Johnson]

I am not saying I disagree, but I do wonder, if it were their sophomore or later album, would it be acceptable to sell a box set? Or is that price high (I am not familar with pricing off the top of my head for box sets)? I feel like most bands put out things like this, rehashing albums and songs. No one forces the fans to repurchase. The fans should make a point and stop buying these things and then they will stop being marketed. If their wasn't a market for them then they wouldn't be available.
They haven't even been around long enough to be able to even give a thought to a box set. Beatles? Yes. Rolling Stone? Yes. Motley Crue? Sure. Nirvana? Alright. Weezer? Okay. Panic! At the Disco? Hell no. I've had goldfish that have lived longer than their entire music career.

[Melissa Johnson]

park fucking broke up?
I can neither confirm nor deny this one anymore.

[itsnotthateasy]

They haven't even been around long enough to be able to even give a thought to a box set. Beatles? Yes. Rolling Stone? Yes. Motley Crue? Sure. Nirvana? Alright. Weezer? Okay. Panic! At the Disco? Hell no. I've had goldfish that have lived longer than their entire music career.

There's no doubt you are right.

My point is, it is not uncommon for bands to reissue. Say Anything did. You'll argue it had more songs, and then I'd argue Panic!'s boxset has a full length concert of all their songs plus two covers. I'd bet if you look hard enough, most bands do it (reissue music to fans). Is a box set over the top, sure. But the point is, the industry is always looking to suck more money from the fans...the fans need to take a stand. And it's not just Panic! who is doing it. Does that make it right? Of course not, but picking on them and ignoring the industry trend seems odd because so many others do the same, in some form or another.

[fifpb99]

no announcement yet :(

who is it!?

Probably Gatsby's.

[Melissa Johnson]

Probably Gatsby's.
My name's not Scott Weber. ;-)

The band's been mentioned already. Cats out of the bag it seems. Even if they don't, any press is good press.

[Scott Weber]

Probably Gatsby's.
http://www.clubimpact.org/calendar.html

Sat.
Jan.
27

TYSEN
REMNANT SOLDIER
GATSBY'S AMERICAN DREAM
& guests
Show @ 8
$8




ugh. how annoying. they haven't broken up - they're on hiatus while playing a few shows here and there. people hear hiatus and think the worst (blink 182) instead of thinking they'll write another album (thursday). I personally doubt they'll ever release another album, but who knows. depends on how these side projects do for them.

[Jeannieanline]

i bet know exactly who number 1 is on saddest break ups. :X

[rikfrommf]

I can neither confirm nor deny this one anymore.

I could, but don't get too sad... :-D

[Shatter_Glass]

Park Props Galore!