I have to say that since I started these musical previews a few games ago, each opponent's city has quickly brought to mind distinctive songs, musicians, and genres. But thinking of Denver and Colorado, I have to say nothing much springs to mind.

There's John Denver, who moved from Edina, where he wrote "Follow Me" and a jingle for a local bank, to Aspen, where he wrote "Rocky Mountain High" and other hits.

Note: I actually like John Denver, though he's always been uncool, never becoming hip in retrospect the way ABBA, The Carpenters and others have done. I don't mind earnest pop/folk.

Undoubtedly, some of the Canus cognescenti will be able to rattle off some terrific tunes related to Nuggetville. A little research turns up... not much. A few artists were born in Colorado but became famous elsewhere (Glenn Miller, India.Arie, whose father was an NBA player), a few others spent some time there but not their prime (Ginger Baker), and most are not big commercially or as critics' darlings. I guess you can mention The Fray and Big Head Todd as some acts that went platinum. There's Tommy Bolin and the Samples and Jello Biafra, but none of the above screams "Denver!" to me.

So what's a guy to do? Strangely enough, in the past two weeks I have come across two new bands that are both variations of other acts that I like. Both are decent at first listen. One band is named Denver, the other Minnesota. Perfect. Let's put it to a vote.

Denver is an offshoot of Blitzen Trapper. Based in Portland, not in Colorado.

Minnesota consists of Peter Himmelman (you either know who he is or you don't) and a few others. Based in LA, not the Twin Cities.

Vote in the poll for the song you like best.