My Favourite Albums and Movies of 2008

With 2008 in the past, it's time to check out the best albums and movies in 08.
My favourite album of the year was Less Than Jake's GNV FLA. With a slew of solid songs, this was easily my pick. My favourite songs is defiantly "Conviction Notice".

Alkaline Trio's Agony and Irony rounds up second place. They moved to a major label with this album, and it worked alright for them. "Love Love Kiss Kiss" and "Do You Wanna Know" are my favourite songs.

Ben Fold's Way To Normal picks up third place. Songs For Silverman was a bit slow and lacked his famous energy he so often puts forward, but with Way To Normal, he lets loose. "Hiroshima", "Bitch Went Nutz" and "You Don't Know Me" are some of the gems.

As for movies I only have two favourite films.
The Dark Knight was absolutely amazing. Heath Ledger played one of the greatest villains of all time. His character knew how to psychologically twist you into a pretzel you didn't think could happen.

WALL-E places second. It has a great message, and a robot love story. The art was upped by Pixar, and I just loved it. They never cease to amaze me.

And now, the best of the best

I've come up with some of the greatest musicians in the field of their instrument. This week I'm going to focus on a couple of the greatest piano, bass,guitar and singers of all time. And by all time, I mean in my most humble opinion. 

Today it's piano players. Two big names come to mind when I think of the best.

Ben Folds is one of the most creative piano players of all time. I've seen him perform at least 3 or so times and every time he performs, it's an amazing show. But it's not just his stage performance and the ability to improv. He has written some of the greatest songs. Some involving pain, others humor and growing old.  He plays with the most intense passion and at the same time, can make you crack up.

"Philosophy", "Still Fighting It", and "Landed" highlight a great list of his wonderful works of art, and on the other side "Rockin The Suburbs", "Hiroshima", and "Army" always bring a smile to your face. 

The second noteworthy piano player is a legend in many ways. He goes by The Piano Man, but is also known as Billy Joel. His songs are still song and enjoyed by many. One classic song that seems to never fade away is "Piano Man". It's probably the most played song at weddings besides whatever the flavor of the month is. Other classic songs are "The Longest Time", "New York State of Mind"  "The Downeastern 'Alexa'", "Only The Good Die Young" plus many others.

He seems to hold a special place in my wife's heart because our wedding song was "She's got a way", which was performed by her brother.  

Billy Joel is a fine piano player that remains a favourite among many. His classic songs warm up the heart and can usually get anyone singing.