Cory Chisel said it best last night at First Ave: "We bring you the sad songs, while Brendan brings the rock and roll."   This was a good team-up of music, as the two bands complimented each other.

Cory Chisel and Adriel Harris

Chisel has a few fans in the audience, someone shouted it that they're from Appleton West, which I actually have no idea where that is. I mentally picture northern Minnesota as that was what Chisel said he was from originally.

I thought the best song on the live set was "Born Again". Highlight from the show was when Adriel Harris, remove herself from the keyboard to sing a duet with Chisel.

Brendan Benson Setlist

I think most people know Brendan Benson because he's a member of Jack White's The Raconteurs, but the truth is, he's been releasing music way back in 1996. I thought the best song live was "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)" and "Feel Like Taking You Home".

Surprisingly it was revealed that their current live drummer, Travis (replacing their regular drummer Brad) was a quick learner on tour. I couldn't tell if he messed up, it all sounded in rhythm.

The highlight from the show was at the last encore, where Chisel shows up to help sing their cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl". What's funny is that they printed the lyrics for Benson as he's confessed he doesn't know the song that well.

PS, See the smoke around Benson's head?  Yep, he lite and smoked a cigarette on "American Girl".  Maybe someone should have told him that Minneapolis has a non-smoking policy.