Favorite Waitress

The Felice Brothers know a good story when they tell it. And by playing into the myths of their surroundings in the Catskill Mountains—which several members of The Band called home—they found their place as an Americana band. Like Civil War re-enactors, the brothers create a version of rock ’n’ roll that’s infused with the pioneer spirit and battle-scarred feel of the 19th century. It doesn’t matter if things didn’t happen quite that way, as long as they believe. The brothers bring a Pogues-ish sense of disarray to songs like “Bird on Broken Wing,” “Lion,” and “Saturday Night,” where their lack of a strong lead singer is turned into a strength since necessity demands that everyone in the band come together as one big drunken team. The addition of new drummer David Estabrook gives The Felice Brothers the solid rhythm section they’ve dreamed about; his steadying presence lets them rock harder and swing on “Woman Next Door.” Favorite Waitress is the band's most endearing album to date.