Revisited: The Felice Brothers

As any urban dweller can attest to, there inevitably comes an urge to skip town and head for literal greener pastures. After a particularly defeating day the cityscape loses its luster and escape from everything familiar seems like the only option. In truth, the goal is a simpler time as much as it is a different location, which ultimately leaves a true exodus impossible. Despite these setbacks, a vehicle exists that travels to this unreachable place. Crafted in the 21^st century but walking, talking, and sounding like 1960’s folk-rock, the Felice Brother’s 2007 self-titled effort takes listeners away, and it takes them back.

Simone, Ian, and James Felice grew up in upstate New York, two hours north of Manhattan at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. Their hometown of Palenville, with a population of just over one thousand, is less than ten miles from Big Pink, the home/studio where The Band and Bob Dylan recorded their legendary Basement Tapes. It is not coincidence that the music they are most often compared to was recorded in the Felice's backyard, and although the praise is high it is not unfounded. "Love Me Tenderly" echoes the playful barroom keys of "Rag Mama Rag" while "Take This Bread" evokes similarities through the instrument variation, namely the inclusion of horns. 

Much like The Band, the brothers Felice share an appreciation for layering their vocals, allowing one member to take us through the verses before inviting in the rest of the group when the chorus hits. The Felices however are less concerned with precision, utilizing their energy rather than technical harmonies giving their music a truer sing-song quality. On the highlight of the album, "Frankie's Gun!" the ensemble backs Ian Felice's lead vocals with shouted support that gives even the studio version a live performance quality. This song, more than any other on the album, allows you to picture the band (lowercase "b") in their truest habitat: on stage, outdoors, sweating under some fading sunlight, collaborating with an enthusiasm so strong it could simultaneously pass for a first or final show. Below, watch "Frankie's Gun!" beautifully soundtrack Riding September, a cross country motorcycle trip, as its riders weave in and out of dusty flatland and rolling woods. 

Although the Felice Brothers had no affiliation or input with the above visual, it wonderfully captures the aesthetic of the group. Their music overflows with sounds of open roads and scenic wilderness, a perfect soundtrack for a country expedition. "Radio Song" in particular consists of an upbeat tempo that encourages the listener to get out and explore; accordion, guitar, and banjo might as well be the official orchestra of the vagabond. One of Simone's two leads on the album, his voice better compliments the excellent use of accordion than the more raspy, nasally whine of younger brother Ian. 

The album is at its peaks in the uproarious Americana of "Radio Song" and "Frankie's Gun!", mainly because it is the collaborative effort that gives the band its heart. On stripped down tracks, Ian is on show on his own, and the shortcomings of his vocals that give his songs imperfect character in a louder surrounding, work against him in the quiet ballads. "Goddamn You, Jim" is ill-placed at best, cooling the air of excitement created by "Frankie's" and putting the album temporarily to sleep, while "Murder by Mistletoe" longs for the inclusion of those on the outskirts of the band. "Whiskey in My Whiskey" is a stellar example of the effect of overloading the band's less featured members. Youngest brother James, on his only vocal contribution, tells the heartbreaking, booze fueled tale excellently, with an assist from Greg Farley's fiddle. 

The Felice Brothers was released seven years ago this week, and it remains the strongest work in their catalog. Since 2008, they have lost one Felice (Simone left the group to pursue solo ventures), released three more albums, and graced the legendary Newport Folk Festival stage that once made their greatest inspiration a national voice. While it was not their first release, the album that bears their name is the most lasting impression of a band that still lingers on the fringe of popular music. Even if they never eclipse the quality of The Felice Brothers, the brothers Felice will have put forth excellent representation of the place they came from, and a time they never truly knew. <PM>