Corey Chisel to serenade Chicago Theatre Oct. 9.

There’s an unspoken hierarchy of opening acts that hinges on the notoriety of the headliner. It reveals an uncomfortably bourgeois facet of musical performance, but it adds a necessary competitive spirit that drives bands toward success. Opening for an unknown act? Kudos. A middle-of-the-road indie quartet? You’re getting there. Opening for Norah Jones? It’s time to brush off those modest shoulders and hold your head up high.

After releasing sophomore album “Old Believers” earlier this year, Corey Chisel and his ragtag band of hopelessly devoted romantics appeared on the late-night talk show circuit spreading their rootsy tales of love, loss, and everything in between. Traipsing the country with the soulful Jones, The Wandering Sons have graced our ears with their anguished folk-rock. But they’re no run-of-the-mill Rust Belt folk outfit; heartbreak simply never sounded so good.

Listen for yourself as Corey Chisel And The Wandering Sons usher in Norah Jones at the Chicago Theatre, Oct. 9. But if you need any more convincing (which is hard to believe) check out the music video for their heartbreaking single “Laura” here http://www.cmt.com/videos/cory-chisel/837841/laura.jhtml