The Best Albums of 2008

Once again here's Nelse with a top notch list of music from the year gone by. If you need some comparison, check out his list from last year.

1. Cut Copy “In Ghost Colours”

The memories of seeing this unknown band open for Franz Ferdinand several years ago at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver still makes me tingle. What an amazing opening act and a great debut from the band from the land down under. This follow-up disc has them experimenting even further with the dance-rock fusion with much success.

2. Vampire Weekend “Vampire Weekend”

Hands down this is one of my all time favorite records from 2008. From the first listen this album has become a classic with a blend of preppy pop-rock sounds with dash of Talking Heads, a pinch of the early Police sounds, and topped with a sprinkle of the Kinks. This is pop-perfection and easily played on endless repeat all year long.

3. Ting Tings “We Started Nothing”

Forget the hype and just take a second listen to this upbeat album from the Tings. At my first listen I have to admit I was less than impressed by the repeating “the drums, the drums, the drums”. Then came the Apple iPod ad with “Shut Up and Let Me Go” and I was curious. The album has become decidedly perfect party music for the past year.

4. The Killers “Day and Age”

One of the most anticipated of all year. Ahhh, so refreshing to have a delightfully energetic and thunderous third album from the Las Vegas rockers. Definitely another great stop on this bands long future. Are we human or are we dancer?

5. Robyn “Robyn”

A nice departure for this former one hit wonder from the nineties. She is back and totally reinvented. Cool electro-pop with a sharp edge and some tough ass lyrics!



6. MGMT “Oracular Spectacular”

So trippy, so spaced out, so cool, so I want rebel from my office job and play outside!





7. Estelle “Shine”

For me, this was what Lauryn Hill’s follow-up album should have been. I thought Estelle hit it out of the park and I crown her the queen of urban beats with silky smooth edge.


8. Kaiser Chiefs “Off With Their Heads”

Does everything Mark Ronson touch turn to gold? Not that these blokes would do any worse on their own. Definitely a highly rated album that slipped under the radar this year. What did I learn today “I learned nothing!”

9. The Last Shadow Puppets “The Age of the Understatement”

A great side project from the lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys that I discovered over New Year’s weekend after surfing some end of year lists. A groovy set of old school James Bond inspired tracks.

10. Lady Gaga “The Fame”

I have to admit that I was skeptical when this album dropped. After hearing the overplayed first single all summer I wasn’t expecting much else. Surprisingly the album presented some stand out tracks that I have been playing next stop. I also have next year’s summer jam pegged!

The worst of 2008:

Madonna “Hard Candy”: Great to see her play Denver for the first time and she still puts on the best show out there, but can she please stop giving us Spanish lessons while trying to sound urban?

Jem “Down to Earth”: I was expecting so much more from hew follow-up album after an amazing debut. Unfortunately, she sold out to the adult contemporary crowd. A few decent tracks, but sadly this one missed the mark.

Hot Chip “Made in the Dark”: Booooo! Way too many bleeps and blurps! This one gets annoying after the first listen.

Pink “Funhouse”: A good first single, but the rest of the album is quite a frightening funhouse indeed.

Record Delays:

No Annie, Franz Ferdinand, Daniel Merriweather, No Doubt or Lily Allen albums until 2009! Record labels can be mean bastards!

Welcome to Denver, Y'all!

As we gear up for Democratic National Convention events here in Denver next week I’ve been intrigued by all of the press coverage about Denver.

Some of the articles paint Denver in a good light and capture what I have come to truly love about this city. At the same time I am still amazed that some people think we all ski with cowboy hats and that beef is what’s for dinner.

As I was reading some local articles I ran across this great DNC Orientation Video put together by Westword's Adam Cayton-Holland and Wrist Deep Productions:



All I have to say is yee-haw y’all; now let’s get this DNC goin’ and grab us a beer!

Shameless Pop Stars...

In the midst of rehabs, weight loss, illicit photographs, drunk driving, and discussions about sexuality there is one celebrity pop-star across the pond who is preparing to release some of her best work yet.

It has been a couple years since we last heard from Lily Allen and I can’t stand the wait for her next album.

After watching the likes of Amy Winehouse spiral out of control I am glad one artist is still sounding as sharp as ever.

I’m not sure if the record is being produced by Mark Ronson again, but the new tracks posted to Lily’s Myspace are “bloody” fantastic!

Check out all the new tracks, including the stand-out, I Don’t Know, HERE

“Buckle Your Swash and Jolly Your Roger for the Funniest Rock 'N Rollickin' Adventure Ever!”

After seeing the upcoming movie trailer for “Mamma Mia” I was instantly reminded of another comedy/musical from the early eighties.

“The Pirate Movie” was probably best forgotten by most, but it left an indelible mark on me as a seven year old kid. Looking back it was the first moment where I realized I was “different.” Even at such a young age I secretly wanted to be Kristy McNichol who gets saved by her boyfriend, Christopher Adkins, after being kidnapped by some very “happy” pirates. Perhaps this is where Johnny Depp took some inspiration?



It wasn’t until I was fifteen that I would figure what “different” really meant, but Christopher Atkins was probably my first childhood crush. Some of you may remember him from a movie a couple years earlier, “The Blue Lagoon”. Sadly “The Pirate Movie” ended up taking multiple Razzie Awards in 1983 for worst director, worst musical score and worst original score.

Hopefully “Mamma Mia” will hold a special place for future generations as well.

Hastings Revisited

This past weekend I trekked back to Hastings Nebraska to celebrate my grandfather’s 80th birthday. I am never really excited to revisit this small town having spent my life growing up in Denver.

To my surprise I had a great moment of appreciation at the birthday bash being held at the old Eagles Aerie 952 club in the historic downtown. It is fitting that the club is on Second Street and Denver Avenue, which is the same block that intersects the historic Burlington Train Station.

As we drove to the event my mother and aunt were reminiscing about growing up in Hastings and all of the time spent walking the downtown streets with all of the soda shops, cafes and the movie house.

Some of that energy came back that night simply by having family and friends there to fill up the club. It was cool to see my family dancing along with my grandfather to the sounds of Glen Miller. Usually those sounds would be cringe worthy, but it brought me back to another era.

Today, the city streets in downtown Hastings are nearly dead with so many beautiful buildings just sitting vacant.


The city is doing everything it can to give a boost to its downtown and is offering incentives for small business to come back. We are fortunate to live in a city like Denver that has kept its roots in its thriving downtown. Hopefully, Hastings will figure out how to keep its city center just as viable.

For more photos of historic Hastings, check out The Adams County Historical Society.

2008 Albums on the Everything is Pop Radar

The first couple of months of the year are always quiet for new music releases, which gives me a great chance to start thinking about the big releases expected through this year.

In alphabetical order, with some comments snuck in, here’s a quick rundown of albums to potentially get excited about in 2008…

Annie
Although I haven’t been able to confirm anything yet I’ve been hearing about a new album for the past couple of years. After the amazing dance-pop album “Anniemal” I can’t wait to hear more from this Norwegian.

Basement Jaxx

Blur

Coldplay

The Feeling

Fergie

Franz Ferdinand
Now they are just teasing me… they’ve been away too long.

Futureheads

Garbage
Can’t wait for this one!

Gnarls Barley

Goldfrapp
"Seventh Tree" – The disco balls are being replaced with candles, but it's supposed to be a phenomenal album.

Green Day

Hot Chip
“Made in the Dark”

Junior Boys

Kaiser Chiefs

Keane
Sober again and ready to churn out more stripped down piano driven tunes.

Keri Hilson
“In a Perfect World” - She sang the vocal on Timbalands “The Way I Are”.

The Killers
Third album of all new material!!!!!

Ladytron

Madonna
“Licorice” is expected to hit sometime in March/April. Rumors have it that Madonna has collaborated with everyone from Timbaland (who hasn’t), Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Danja, Mark Stent, Felix Da Housecat (this could be really cool), Swiss Beatz (the Britney people), and Akon. Obviously, she is going for a more urban sound so I am a little nervous. Let’s just hope that Madonna doesn’t rap on this one!

Matisyahu

Natasha Bedingfield
“Pocketful of Sunshine” - Although this has been out since April overseas we will be getting a much re-worked version for the US. I hate record labels!

No Doubt
I have to admit I have enjoyed most of Stefani’s solo material, but I am ready for the return of this band. Rumor has it that the tracks have all been recorded and Stefani just needs to add vocals. My fingers are crossed for an early summer release and tour.

Weezer
Tentatively titled “Album Six”

A transforming Denver skyline

We were still listening to "Like a Virgin" on the radio, when most of Denver's high-rises were being finished. At 38 stories, the recently completed Hyatt Regency Convention Center hotel is the lone new skyscraper in decades.

All of that is about to change as new residential, hotel, and office projects are in the works throughout the city.

The 45-Story Four Seasons Hotel and Residences illustrated below is already under construction:

If you were hoping for a penthouse unit both have been sold already for $7.9 million and $10 million each!

Other major projects in the works include the Spire Residences at 41 stories (under construction), 1800 Larimer Offices at 22 stories, 1401 Lawrence Residences at 51 stories, Tabor II Offices at 44 stories, 1900 16th Street Offices at 18 stories (under construction), and One Lincoln Park Residences at 32 stories (under construction).

There are at least forty smaller-sized projects throughout downtown that are also helping to shed Denver’s cow town image.

To geek out on all the downtown development be sure to check out the ultimate source at DenverInfill.

The best albums of 2007

As promised, here is the first Everything is Pop posting from Nelse. This is a fantastic addition to the blog. I look forward to seeing what comes next! Welcome to RandomTope!

I never did get around to creating my own music blog this year, like I had hoped, but here is my first stab at the topic.

For the most part the end of the year was rounded out with some really weak albums. However, there were some highlights that are worth mentioning from the past year.

My picks for the top 10 albums of 2007:

Amy Winehouse “Back to Black"

Disregard all the drama, the Britney comparisons, the scars, the boyfriend, the crap performances, the drunken photos and take a good listen to this album again. This is absolutely my number one album for the year. The music soars and I am mesmerized by Amy’s voice. Here’s to hoping she can sort herself out and deliver another knock-out album like this one!

Mika "Life in Cartoon Motion"

Is he straight, is he gay? All I say is, “Who cares?” As long as the music gets this good, does it really matter? Mika exploded onto the overseas pop charts with the songs like Love Today, Grace Kelly, Big Girls and Happy Ending. Unfortunately, he didn’t really hit over here in the U.S. I had a feeling most of us wouldn’t get it. If you aren’t afraid to hear a great pop album with a guy that sings in a falsetto voice through half the album then you might actually love it. A little bit of Freddie Mercury and more bubble-gum pop.

Lily Allen “Alright, Still”

Lily delivers some sharp lyrics and a sarcasm that caught me completely off-guard. I would hate to get in tangle with her on the street. Along with Amy Winehouse, this was another Mark Ronson produced gem that kept me rocking in 2007. Not to mention Lily has a powerhouse singing voice that is perfect on record or live.

Roisin Murphy “Overpowered”

This album will make you want to move with its massive bass lines. She's a lesser-known artist here in the US, but you may remember her previous efforts with a group called Moloko. Anyone remember the tracks “Sing it Back”, “The Time is Now” or “Fun for Me?" Well, Roisin has managed, at least in my opinion, to overpower those tracks with her second solo album. For this record she goes back to her dance-pop roots to deliver an album that has been on heavy rotation on my iPod.

Just Jack “Overtones”

Every song on Jack’s second album is as listenable as his first album “The Outer Marker”. In the same vein as Lily Allen, Just Jack delivers some very cool grooves and clever lyrics. The song “Starz in Their Eyes” sounds like an ode to Britney. Also, be sure to check out the track “I Talk Too Much,” with guest vocals from Kylie.

Mark Ronson “Version”

After enjoying two of my favorite albums from this producer, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen, I certainly had to check out his latest offering. Not really a solo album, but a full-on collaboration with some great artists and soulful beats. Mark knows how to let the artists shine. The lead single, "Stop Me," from Daniel Merriwether turns a classic Smiths songs into a funky summer groove. Don’t miss out on the “Toxic” remake or Lily’s cover of the Kaiser Chiefs' “Oh My God”.

The Killers “Sawdust”

Although not completely a new album it does pack in some amazing unreleased tracks and b-sides. For good measure they added two new tracks, a cover of Joy Division’s “Shadowplay” and a Lou Reed collaboration, “Tranquilize”. The one gem tacked-on to the end is Stuart Price's reworked version of “Mr. Brightside”. This remix is probably one of my favorite remixes of all time.

Annie Lennox “Songs of Mass Destruction”

The Diva is back with some songs that certainly rival her debut album. Every track is sung with the raw power and emotion you would come to expect from Annie Lennox. The good news is that the album is not as somber as her last record, "Bare," and has kept me captive since its release. I think “Dark Road” was the wrong choice for the lead single here in the U.S. as there are so many other energetic tracks on the disc.

Foo Fighters “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace"

Dave Grohl and team have no problem delivering consistently strong albums and this was no exception. I didn’t know much about the band, but I found myself re-discovering their back catalogue when this album came out. Some great rock tracks are on here that should be blasted from the car stereo after a rough day at the office. Oh, and the videos are as memorable as ever! Be sure to check out the campy “Long Road to Ruin” clip.

Kylie Minogue "X"

Unfortunately, this one will not see a U.S. release until 2008. If you are willing to drop a few extra bucks for the import version you won’t be disappointed or better yet, just download it online. I am already in love! This was a last minute must-add to my best of 2007. Welcome back Kylie… we’ve missed you!

Be sure to check out these other 2007 contenders:

Common "Finding Forever"
Seal "System"
The White Stripes "Icky Thump"
Alicia Keyes "As I Am"
Belanova "Fantasia Pop"
Metro Station "Metro Station"

A new voice for RandomTope: Everything is Pop

By popular demand, Nelse is diving into the shallow end of RandomTope -- no floaties allowed.

Everything is Pop launches here next week with some new shoes on and they are dancing along with the best music of 2007.

And that's just to get us going.

This will be Nelse's own little corner here, to do with as he wants. If you know him, expect to be splashed by pop culture references, music, urbanity, and whatever new shiny thing has distracted him. This is his own little playground and I hope you are as excited as I am to see what he comes up with!

Just a little something to look forward to!