The past decade of pop fluff has been defined by a few names: Britney. Justin. Christina.
It’s not often that these stars tour, but when they do it’s always a gigantic spectacle complete with pyrotechnics, costume changes and dance routines that have the kids groovin’ and the parents groanin’.
So we’ll welcome Christina Aguilera back to town Feb. 26, when the pop star plays the Pepsi Center. Aguilera recently has been in a state of flux. Through her new album, “Back to Basics,” the singer is searching for legitimacy while not fully shedding her faux-fur coat. Everything from the record’s cover to the overarching style of the music is retro-rific, honoring the eras of swing and vinyl and sultry female voices in small jazz clubs.
But she’s doing it only as Aguilera would, with intense pop pinache, big dancey beats and drastic artistic concessions.
It’s an interesting experiment if nothing else, and the single “Ain’t No Other Man” is a fluffy blast. Supporting Aguilera are the Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($55-$90.50, Ticketmaster)
The Rock the Bells Tour is a hip-hop tour that doesn’t really feel like a hip-hop tour. The names are big and legitimate, bringing back memories of the Smokin’ Grooves days. Although this tour is a notably smaller outing than the defunct Smokin’ Grooves Tour, it’s still great to see the collaboration of artists including Redman,
Raekwon, Keith Murray, Supernatural and DJ Kool, who are all on the Denver bill at the Ogden on Dec. 9. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today. ($27, Ticketmaster)
Lostprophets released its new single “A Town Called Hypocracy” last month, and the track is further proof of the Welsh band’s plot to get a piece of the pop-punk pie. The music is dancey, literate and the ideal side dish to a Panic! At the Disco or Fall Out Boy. The group’s third full-length, “Liberation Transmission,” is getting high marks from the fans, including the local contingent amped about their show at the Gothic Theatre Nov. 9. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($15, Ticketmaster)
Gogol Bordello is insane. The band is made up of immigrants from Eastern Europe, and they let their Slavic influences run free in their inspired punk-dance blend. Singer Eugene Hutz is one of the most affable frontmen out there, and one of the most entertaining. His stage antics are legendary, and his delivery – through a strong accent, mind you – is unforgettable. His band plays the Gothic Theatre on Dec. 11. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($15-$16, Ticketmaster)
