Social Distortion and Mike Ness reissues are coming your way
Social Distortion is one of those bands from the second wave of the American punk rock movement who continue to thrive by drawing in new fans, creating fresh and viable music and retaining that rough edge which made them so appealing in the first place. Led by toughas-nails frontman Mike Ness, there’s now some upcoming or already on the shelves material from both the legendary SoCal band and the singer’s solo career that are must haves for any punk rock fan.
Formed in 1979, the Social D. have come to be known for their distinctive brand of hard rockabilly and punk that’s cut with Ness’ melodic lyrics and his chronicling hard-luck tales of love, loss and lessons learned. The band first erupted onto the scene with their debut, 1983’s ‘Mommy’s Little Monster,’ but it was their third, selftitled album in 1990 which broke them into mainstream success, garnering the rockers their first Gold Record, with hits like “Ball and Chain” and “Story of My Life.”
Craft Recordings has just announced a special reissue of Social Distortion’s 1998 album ‘Live at the Roxy,’ which remains the first — and only — live album from the rock ‘n’ roll icons. Due out on June 29, almost 20 years to the day of the album’s original release date, the double-LP set features a replica of the rare poster that came with the original pressing and features frontman Mike Ness onstage in all his punk rock glory.
The set includes such favorites as “Bad Luck,” “Mommy’s Little Monster” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Typical of Social D’s reputation, the band performs with a fierce energy and intensity captured by ‘Live at the Roxy.’
Now in their fourth decade, and with seven studio albums under their belt, Social Distortion are showing no signs of slowing down. Most recently, the band released a four-LP retrospective box set, ‘The Independent Years,’ detailing their output from 1983-2004. The set included classic albums such as ‘Mommy’s Little Monster’ and ‘Prison Bound.’ Currently working on a new album, the band has spent much of the last year on the road and will continue to tour throughout the summer.
‘Live at the Roxy’ is available to pre-order now as a 2-LP vinyl set, and also on limited-edition green smoke-colored vinyl — only 1,000 pieces — exclusively via the official Social Distortion store.
And long before Mike Ness ever heard of the Ramones, the Clash or the Sex Pistols, he grew up listening the early days of rock and roll. His solo work represents the full spectrum of all those influences. ‘Cheating at Solitaire’ and ‘Under the Influences,’ which both came out in 1999, integrate punk, rockabilly, primitive rock and roll, country and blues while maintaining the energy that typifies the attitude for which Ness is known.
‘Cheating at Solitaire’ has been long out of print on vinyl until this month’s reissue. The two-LP set incorporates the raw power and social relevance that has always marked Ness’ music, while embracing many of the defining styles in American rock and roll history. Among the guest contributors are Stray Cats frontman Brian Setzer and Bruce Springsteen, and feature cover songs including Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and Hank Williams’ “You Win Again.” There is also the track “Company C,” exclusive to the vinyl configuration.
The album is available now and is also on limited-edition blue vinyl — only 500 pieces — exclusively via the official Mike Ness store (MikeNess.com).
‘Under ‘he Influences’ is an influences-driven (see what Mike did there?) collection of country, rock and bluegrass covers of songs that inspired Ness. He was especially moved by the roots of American music, and his earliest influences were the pioneers of rock and roll, musicians that were scandalous and rebellious in their day. Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones, Woody Guthrie and Creedence Clearwater Revival marked the early years of his turntable. The musicianship of the bands and the revolutionary spirit at their core appealed to Ness, and while the radical essence would become his calling-card, he would never lose the love of his roots.
The LP features songs as diverse as the Sonny Curtis-penned “I Fought The Law” and the Carter Family’s “Wildwood Flower,” each with a unique Ness spin. It also features a honky-tonk version of the Social Distortion classic, “Ball and Chain.”
“I have a great affection for roots music,” Ness said in a statement. “Old blues, country, folk, rockabilly and primitive rock and roll in general. Without these roots, I wouldn’t have perspective. I love the music and feel it is as relevant as ’70s glitter and early punk. As a solo artist, I am able to cross the boundaries and integrate it all. I tried to bring these influences together and keep it honest.”
‘Under the Influences’ is available now as a standard vinyl and also on limitededition red vinyl — just 500 pieces — also exclusively via the Mike Ness store.