Cover band: Hookers & Blow

The name is a jokey moniker about music-biz excess. The only thing excessive about this all-star Twin Cities band is the joy it generates. Started as a lark nearly 15 years ago, H&B has flourished as a dynamic fun machine. The nonet's repertoire is heavy on classic-rock, dance classics and cheesy pop from the 1970s and '80s delivered by four distinctive and strong lead singers -- Beatles-loving Adam Levy (of the Honeydogs), KQ-inspired George Scot McKelvey, novelty-specialist Joe Savage and all-purpose soul siren Andra Suchy. The secret weapon is drummer Noah Levy, a master of many styles. The horn section is crisp, the guitar licks hot and the good times nonstop.

Runner-up: The R Factor