LISTEN/MUSIC: More Previews From Social Distortion's New Album

With the release of Social Distortion's new record Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes just around the corner on January 18th, here's two more tracks from the album to preview. Most will recognize "Diamond In The Rough" from Social D's live shows of the last couple years, while "Still Alive" is a deeper album cut.

Social Distortion - Diamond In The Rough

Social Distortion - Still Alive

The album marks a noticeable progression in Social Distortion's sound, incorporating even more elements of country, blues, and roots music. The instrumental "Road Zombie" and it's placement as an opener almost pays homage to the Social Distortion of the past suggesting "that is where we come from, but this is where we are going." Mike Ness has been lucky enough to find a true musical compatriot not once but twice in his career, first with Dennis Dannell and now with Johnny Wickersham. Their crafted, yet effortless feeling interplay shines throughout the album. Meanwhile, bassist Brent Harding and drummer David Hidalgo, Jr. weave in subtle fills at just the right moments. It may be one of the most "band" sounding albums Social Distortion has ever released.

If Social Distortion's early records focused on the pain of Ness' childhood, the most recent albums reveal Ness as an older, wiser, and more expansive songwriter enjoying the rewards of a loving and stable family life. The walls and protective barriers a younger Ness built around himself, have started to come down. There's breathing room now. Those wishing for a sequel to 1996's White Light White Heat White Trash will probably be left disappointed. But if taken as the next chapter in the narrative of Mike Ness as an artist and a person, the Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes album is much more interesting.

Social Disortion has become like the old friend you used to run with as a teenager. You might only see them once every couple of years. They might be a little different than you last remember, they might even surprise you a little. But there is still that special something that binds you together. And either way, it's always good catch up with them when they come around.

LISTEN/MUSIC: 2 New Social Distortion Songs - New Album Jan. 18th

Social Distortion releases their seventh studio album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes on January 18th, 2011.

Social D's last album Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll was released in 2004 which puts the band pretty much right on track for releasing new material every 7 years or so. If that strategy has proved anything it's concise albums with tight, catchy, road tested songs.

So what's Social D got in store for us this go round? Their latest single Machine Gun Blues is one indication. It's available on iTunes now but you can give it a preview here:

Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues

Pretty much tried and true Social D, nothing wrong with that. But more shocking is California (Hustle & Flow) which reveals more than ever The Rolling Stones influence on Mike Ness. Not sure how I feel about this one, sounds like a Black Crowes outtake but points for branching out I guess.

Social Distortion - California (Hustle And Flow) by Epitaph Records

Also of note, Mike Ness steps into the role of Producer for the first time in his band's history and reveals a much slicker sound than any previous Social D album. Most will recognize "Road Zombie," "Diamond In The Rough," and "Bakersfield" from the bands live performances in recent years as well as "Can't Take It With You" complete with call and response soulful backup vocals. There's also a punked up cover of Hank Williams "Alone & Forsaken." Ness' and guitarist Johnny Two Bags country-fried influences are well apparent with no shortage of slow burning tales of heartbreak and pain to round out the album. All in all a new and interesting road for Social D to take that might have some long time fans scratching their heads.

The album is available January 18th in multiple versions: a limited edition double red vinyl release, a double black vinyl release, a regular edition CD and digi-download version, and a deluxe edition digi-download version via iTunes.

The deluxe iTunes release features 3 bonus tracks one of which is a tune called "I Can't Run No More." For many Social D fans it's something close to the holy grail, the song was performed only a few times on the bands 1997 tour and people have been begging for it to be released ever since. A live version has floated around for years but a studio version could very well make some people shit their pants, myself included.

So thanks Social D, I'll be buying your new record in triplicate - at least.

PHOTO CREDIT: I don't know who took the photo above but good job, that's a great pic. If it's yours and would like me to take it down just say so.

PHOTO CREDIT UPDATE: Wouldn't you know a photo as awesome as the one above would be taken by none other than Danny Clinch. I should've known.