Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes
Mike Ness, here is a guy who finds new energy in his craft every time out. The So Cal punk rock veterans have been at this for about 30 years now. This is a band whose career has seen many high points and one seriously embarassing one in 1996’s White Light, White Heat, White Trash (which was my introduction to the band and I’ll admit is still my nostalgic favorite).
Well the punk rock heroes are back with an album that actually blows me away with how fresh, invigorated and passionate it sounds. Starting with a great straightforward fastburner with “Road Zombie” which is followed up by “California (Hustle and Flow)” a prefect example of how they’ve been able to blend the punk and the honky tonk, even featuring a great backing vocal from some gospel singers. From there things get even more “Social D” as Ness goes full bore doing what he does best telling stories about his down and out characters backed by some great production and just a bucketful of surprisingly timeless melodies.
I’ll be spinning this on repeat all year long, there are some great driving songs on here. Check it out if you like great guitar solo’s and driving guitar rock.
