Blue Million Miles

Scenesters regularly debate whether or not this fair city has ever produced a signature musical approach, as opposed to the kind associated with borrower bands that just happen to be based here (read: the Fray). In fact, there have been a number of Mile High styles over the years, including...

By Michael Roberts

March 19, 2009

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Scenesters regularly debate whether or not this fair city has ever produced a signature musical approach, as opposed to the kind associated with borrower bands that just happen to be based here (read: the Fray). In fact, there have been a number of Mile High styles over the years, including the atmospheric, post-rootsy mid-'90s form recalled by Blue Million Miles. Tracks such as "God Is Dead" feature plenty of elements that fit the mold: spectral guitars, simple/brutal rhythms, and doomy lyrics ("Inside the heart of this tired nation!") delivered by Sam McNutt, who clearly has a thing for echo effects. Sure, it's a throwback, but a confident, persuasive one filled with fine songs like "Through the Branches" and "Trees." Listen closely: It sounds like...Denver.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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