With shows tonight in Madison and tomorrow in Appleton, Muzzle of Bees caught up with Cory Chisel to get his guidance on some albums he has in his collection. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to go out and pick up Cory’s new album Death Won’t Send a Letter when it drops next week. He’s one of the best songwriters in the business as far as I’m concerned and I’m confident regular visitors will dig his sound.

Here are five albums from Cory Chisel:

Leonard Cohen | Songs of Leonard Cohen
This record caught me at the perfect moment. Its a beautiful thing to find a record that claws at every cynical and romantic bone in your body. I have no idea where it was recorded, who plays on it, or any other trivial fact that I often look into. This record for me will always have come out of nowhere and be elevated above the normal act of record making. On first listen I say head for “The Stranger Song”…everybody should already know the words to Suzanne.

The Pogues | Rum Sodomy & the Lash
This is a record I first bought at 17 years old. It’s a record that plays on my stereo every week, and will most likely stay with me for a very long time. The melodies are haunting, and the stories are hilarious and tragic. Shane is one of our most treasured poets and is often overlooked in America. I would guess some people have trouble understanding him. Try drinking whiskey neat and plan some time with this or any of their records. They will magically be translated for you.

The Clash | Give ‘em Enough Rope
I wanna talk about this record because in my opinion it’s one of the best Clash records. Songs like “Safe European Home, “Tommy Gun” , and my personal favorite Mick Jones song “Stay Free” are all standouts and should be played more often. The cover art pulled me in, somehow the man on the horse waving a red flag while dragging a man behind sums this album up quite well.

The National | Boxer
I’m all for people listening to Grizzly Bear and other good bands that are making exciting music, but only if they have already worn out this bands album. It’s smart, dark, and sexy. I can listen to the songs “Mistaken For Strangers”, and “Brainy” any time of the day. It’s probably the most spun record of current music makers in my household.

The Zombies | Odessey and Oracle
I’m just gonna say it and let whoever is gonna be mad, be mad: I hate the Beach Boys… I am not into the pitch perfection of harmonies or the overworked arrangement of records like Pet Sounds. That being said I would wish everyone to start talking about the Zombies. The songs are heartbreaking, natural, melodic masterpieces. I feel like they stepped off another planet and brought this music to us. And I can trust them to move me every time they come over the speakers. The only time I have been moved by Brian Wilson was when he made that amazing appearance on the season finale of Full House. He sounded great singing with uncle Jesse and the Rippers.

Buy: Cory Chisel – Death Won’t Send a Letter
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Myspace: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
MP3: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons – “Born Again”

Wisconsin bred Cory Chisel brings material from his new album Death Won’t Send a Letter back home with performances at the Majestic Theatre in Madison on Friday, September 25th and the following night at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel in Appleton.

Ticket Giveaway: We have two (2) pairs of tickets to give away for both of Cory Chisel’s Wisconsin shows. To enter, drop a comment below with your favorite concert of 2k9. Please be sure to indicate Madison or Appleton in your response. We’ll notify the winners on Thursday via e-mail.

Previously: Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons perform “Tennessee” in the Turner Hall attic.

Buy: Cory Chisel – Death Won’t Send a Letter
++
Myspace: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
MP3: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons – “Born Again”

I actually ran into Cory Chisel over the weekend at the Crosby, Stills & Nash show in Milwaukee. He said he was really pleased with the new album, Death Won’t Send A Letter coming September 29th. Based on the track “Born Again” (which we’ve already shared) we have to agree so far. Now we’ve got the stunning accompanying video above featuring Brendan Benson and Patrick Keeler of The Raconteurs.

Catch Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons at the Madison Roots Festival Saturday, August 22nd.

Elsewhere: Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons perform “Tennessee” in the Turner Hall attic.

Myspace: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
MP3: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons – “Born Again”

The heavy rain caused some difficulty in getting from Milwaukee to Denver. Tardy as I was (arriving around 6:30PM), I was able to see a lot of groups that have been eluding me this year. I saw Vampire Weekend for the first time which did not change my indifference to them whatsoever. Highlights of the day were John Reis’ The Night Marchers and Wisconsin’s own Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons. The Night Marchers provided a great punk take any Rocket From The Crypt aficionado could appreciate, while Chisel made a strong case for the Springsteen of the future. SXSW favorites White Denim drew a horde of old and new fans. They put all they’ve got into their shows and each time I see them it’s easy to understand why they’re one of my favorite new bands.

The headliners of the evening didn’t disappoint either. Though the rain did its part during Atmosphere’s set, it didn’t stop the band from tearing through vintage cuts and new material from When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. If Jodi’s review of their Chicago show wasn’t suggestive enough, you definitely don’t want to miss them on either of their upcoming two nights in Wisconsin.

DeVotchKa was a perfect selection to close out night one amongst the indescribable beauty that is Red Rocks. Long been a destination, now a reality, I took in one of my favorite bands in their hometown amidst one gorgeous view. Not a bad way to start off the weekend.

MP3: Night Marchers – “Who’s Lady R U”
MP3: Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons – “Home In The Woods”
MP3: White Denim – “Shake Shake Shake”
MP3: DeVotchKa – “You Love Me”

Find more MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic

Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons are no strangers to their rabid hometown (Appleton) and regional following. My friend Brad has been singing his praises to me for quite some time.

Now, readying a large scale tour behind the release of the Cabin Ghosts EP, I’m thrilled to have him on board with the Monolith Music Festival we’re helping put on at Red Rocks on September 13th.

Don’t miss your chance to download the free and legal MP3 below for “Home In The Woods.”

Tour Dates:

June 27 – Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, California
July 17 – Club Cafe – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
July 18 – Radio Radio – Indianapolis, Indiana
July 19 – Beat Kitchen – Chicago, Illinois
July 20 – The Ark – Ann Arbor, Michigan
July 22 – Shank Hal – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
July 23 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 24 – Waiting Room – Omaha, Nebraska
July 25 – The Record Bar – Kansas City, Missouri
July 30 – Toad Tavern – Denver, Colorado
July 31 – Belly Up – Aspen, Colorado
Aug 1 – Club Sound – Salt Lake City, Utah
Aug 3 – The Triple Door – Seattle, Washington
Aug 4 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, Oregon
Aug 5 – Boardwalk – Orangevale, California
Aug 6 – Hotel Utah Saloon – San Francisco, California
Aug 8 – Casbah – San Diego, California
Aug 9 – Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, California
Aug 10 – Rhythm Room – Phoenix, Arizona
Sep 13 – Red Rocks Amphitheater – Morrison, Colorado

Myspace: Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons
MP3: Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons – “Home In The Woods”

Find more MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic