Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons

Cabin Ghosts could have just as aptly been named "Songs From the Hard Scrabble Heartland," and it would have captured the Americana folk vibes of this EP. Appleton, WI's Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons is hardly unique. However, the songwriting is strong, and the performances are the epitome of "heartfelt." The album consists of a handful of live performances and tracks recorded at the Chisel family cabin.

The stone cold folksy soul of Marc Cohn is heard all over this thing, an attribute that should be taken as a compliment, as few artists offer a more convincing delivery. The laidback style of Chisel and his troupe should not be confused with sleep-aid folk. Rather, the approach is uplifting and every note played has a purpose, whether the banjo plucking of "Home in the Woods" or the Dylan-by-way-of-Springsteen harmonica of "It won't be long." On Cabin Ghosts, folk, country and subtle blues elements morph into a unifying whole that brings to mind the cold, pristine beauty of a Wisconsin winter morning.

—Scott Alisoglu
01.12.09