[W]hen it comes to rockers, Mike Ness is the real deal.

SEX, LOVE AND ROCK 'N' ROLL
SOCIAL DISTORTION
Time Bomb Recordings

By Jack Spence

Keepin’ it real. That is what Social Distortion ("Social D" to fans) has always done and continues to do with its latest release, Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll. While other current so-called “punk” bands come off as formulaic and soulless overproduced corporate money-making crap, Social D’s sound is consistently fresh, full of soul and from the heart because when it comes to rockers, Mike Ness is the real deal. That’s why waiting years between albums never bothers true Social D fans, as they know the wait will be well worth it and because the band's tunes are timeless slabs of pure rock 'n' roll passion that will carry them through the next wait and beyond.

Mike Ness has poured his experiences since Social D's last release, 1996's White Light, White Heat, White Trash, into the band's most emotional and mature album to date while still maintaining the down and gritty hard edge the band is known for. I would even say the album is moving and inspiring in its emotional depth. Tracks such as “Don’t Take Me For Granted” (dedicated to the memory of founding member Dennis Danell), “Angels Wings” (an anthem of hope that would make even non-Social-D fans stop and take notice), “Faithless” and “Footprints On My Ceiling” are rife with sentiment and feeling, yet still pack the bluesy punk rock punch that Social D fans expect, complete with effective yet unobtrusive use of organ, which is a first for Social D and adds more dimension to its sound. Other tracks such as “Highway 101” and “Live Before You Die” just make you want to hit the road with the top (or the windows) down and grab life by the horns and shake it for all it’s worth.

The boys from Orange County, California have done it again and have further solidified their position as one of the most successful and consistently true punk rock bands in the history of the genre. For music fans, it doesn’t get much better than this.

You can order the record and other merch at Social Distortion's Official Site.

Jack Spence is a Two Lazy Critics™ Lazy Correspondent living in Scottsdale, AZ

Page last updated: February 01, 2005

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