Opening for the Drive-By Truckers will put you on my radar. I’ve been playing The Felice Brothers 2007 release Tonight At The Arizona repeatedly in preparation for their opening stint for the Truckers at the Pabst later this month. I’m anxiously awaiting their self-titled follow up, due March 4th on Team Love, from which we’ve got two MP3′s for you to check out below. Doing justice to folk music, this music is what Bob Dylan would sound like if he could sing. Fans of Langhorne Slim take note, your new favorite is about to be discovered. I reached out to James Felice for our continuing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Tonight At The Arizona? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

The Bulk of Arizona was recorded in an abandoned Shakespeare theater in the mountains where we grew up. Our good friend and producer/engineer Jeremy Backofen (who we call the Searcher) found the spot and brought all his gear up there. It was a pretty interesting experience. The roof leaked, and of course, it rained the entire time we were recording. We had to run extension chords hundreds of feet to get power and we cooked food on a wood stove.

Arizona was the first time we recorded together as a band so we learned a hell of a lot about what kind of songwriters, bandmates, and musicians we were.

What was the last concert you went to see as a fan?

I always go to see a local band called ‘The Rhodes‘. They’re always a good time. I think the last big concert we went to was Neil Young in New York.

How did you guys get on the Drive-By Truckers tour?

Through our booking agent. Not a terribly interesting story, I’m afraid.

>>>>>What do you think of their new album, Brighter Than Creations Dark?

I haven’t heard it yet, but I think I’m gonna steal one from their merch table tonight.

One of my favorite tracks off your album is “The Balled of Lou the Welterweight,” great track, but includes a curious chorus reference to pulled down pantyhose and loving from behind. What’s the story/inspiration behind this song?

It’s a true story about an old friend of our grandfather’s. He always took women from behind, supposedly. That was his style.

Your band got its start playing the New York City subway. I imagine that experience hardens you to some tough crowds these days. What are some of your fonder subway performance memories?

I think it was at the Port Authority station; we played for a drunk homeless guy (our favorite audience, usually) and as payment he gave us his last beer. That was pretty cool.

Upcoming:

2/28 – Drive By Truckers/The Felice Brothers – Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
3/29 – The Felice Brothers/Justin Townes Earle/McCarthy Trenching – Rathskeller, Madison

Myspace: The Felice Brothers
MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Frankie’s Gun”
MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Wonderful Life”

Find MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic

++++++++++

Unreleated: Pitchfork Guest List: Bon Iver