Death Won't Send A Letter

Rate It! Avg: 4.0 (134 ratings)
Death Won't Send A Letter album cover
Album Information

Total Tracks: 11   Total Length: 39:40

eMusic Review 0

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Amanda Petrusich

eMusic Contributor

09.29.09
A rollicking, raucous country-rock grapple with sin and redemption
2009 | Label: Black Seal

The age-old, American struggle between sanctity and sin — between raucous, Saturday night shenanigans and bleak, Sunday morning repentance — fuels a good chunk of Death Won't Send A Letter, Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons's major label debut. That gives Chisel, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Appleton, Wisconsin, loads of Americana cred: God vs. the Devil, after all, is the very same scuffle that fueled the storied careers of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and too many Delta blues howlers to count. Produced in part by Jack White-cohort and power-pop yelper Brendan Benson, and in part by Joe Chiccarelli (who has manned the boards for the Shins, the White Stripes, My Morning Jacket, and more) Death Won't Send A Letter is a rollicking, country, folk, and gospel-inspired rock record. Chisel's voice — somewhere in between Jakob Dylan and Robbie Robertson — is worn and warm, like a good pair of jeans, and he sells his anguish: "I've been feeling like my old self again, because Mama didn't raise me to be no Christian," he slurs on opener "Born Again," over a haze of organ and guitar. Chisel is a classic boots-wearing troubadour, road-hungry and ready: "We'll… read more »

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the real thing

mefkin

just saw these guys on Texas Music Cafe. outstanding vocals, playing, songs. Not a weak performance in the bunch. Corey has a natural, soulful delivery and the songs are familiar and original at the same time. I downloaded this album as soon as the show ended. I can't wait to see them live.

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One of the best albums I own

rgiuff1

This is definitely in my top 10 somewhere. It is just honest, melodic, and great songwriting. This should be on your to listen to list right now. It will grow on you after a few listens. It is far from generic in my opinion. The sonic ambition on the songs is far superior than just simple folk ditties. Listen for yourself, but you won't be disappointed if you enjoy soothing music.

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addictive

Linky

Just gave this another listen and can't stop. "So Wrong for Me" and "Mockingbird" are addictive. Wish I could find his EP that came before this.

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Good songs

ToasKokopelli

Nice singing, good songs, yea a bit generic sounding at times but the performance and the material make it stand up above the crowd. One of those records that creeps on you if you give it a chance.

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Honk If You Like Hootie...

billmarkm

TV-soundtrack ready melodies and straightforward lyrics. Scan the song titles; they give you a clear picture of what to expect.

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Great songwriting, passionately performed

mdovano

This keeps growing on me. Strong songwriting. Great sound.

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Color Review

SWOOL

Brown, Grey, Beige

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A really nice surprise

Andy48

I checked out a few of the samples and decided that the whole album was worth a listen. No disappointment. He's got a solid country-roots voice, and the band is tight, and the songs stick in your head. This is just a pleasure to listen to the first time, and it keeps getting better.

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This album is great! The band is in full swing!

trentcaraig

I saw Cory and his band at the record release of Joshua James' Build Me This. That was a few weeks ago and this band has became a part of me. (That sounds cheesy but seriously, these guys are good) Great voice and a great sound. I dig these guys and I highly recommend them.

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