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| Social DistortionSex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll2004 Time Bomb 
  Review by: Adam See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on October 8th 2004
Eight years is an eternity in rock 'n' roll. Think of all that's happened in punk music since 1996 and it's astonishing. That was the date that influential and celebrated west coast punk act Social Distortion released their last proper studio album. 1996. A September in fact. In 1996 we were a few years after Dookie and diving headfirst into the third-wave ska revival. This is long before Blink-182 spawned the many-headed mall punk hydra. Long before Refused and At The Drive In wrote the records that have been ripped off a thousand times since. Long before we entered this vast endless desert of pitiful new-school emo. 1996 is a complete other universe, and that's where we left our heroes when we last tuned in. Sure, Social D threw us a live record in the time since. We've even had a few roots-Americana solo releases from frontman Mike Ness. However this did little to calm the clamour for a new full length. The tragic and sudden death of founding member Dennis Danell in February of 2000 set things back indefinitely. Despite the fact that the band pulled themselves together later that fall, the call of a new record became less of a realistic expectation and more of a mantra for those of us who were disillusioned with the "state of punk." Oh, we heard reports every six months or so that the band was working on new songs, but expectations really didn't reach a fever pitch again until earlier this year. Yes, it was happening. However this excitement is a double-edged sword. It's fantastic to see so many people jazzed about a new Social Distortion record, but unrealistic expectations are a bitch. They're especially dangerous in the case of a comeback album from a veteran band. If the disproportionate fan hype doesn't kill the comeback, the bands do a pretty good job at dooming it themselves. There's a tendency to "go big" on these sorts of records and we end up with overlong, emotionally heavy, self-important releases that aren’t so much rock records as they're events: Easy to get caught up in but collecting dust on the shelf a month later. So I was elated when I first spun Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll and discovered what a pleasurable listen it is. I've always seen Mike Ness as somewhat of the soul of American punk, and here he's delivered us a finely crafted, enjoyable punk rock album, nothing more or less. After eight years we get ten songs, a nice sequencing and not quite fourty minutes of music. In short, Social Distortion have made us a rock 'n' roll record, not an event, and that's exactly what they were supposed to do. This album is brisk, especially compared to White Light White Heat White Trash. That record's blatant alternative-rock leanings kept the tempo too sluggish at times and it's huge booming production values detracted from the roots rock feel that the band is known for. Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll sounds far closer to 1992's Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell. While I enjoy Ness' forays into country, those influences are far less obvious here and far better synthesized into the band's sound. The result is a very mature set of songs. At this point, and after his solo outlets, Ness knows the strengths in his song writing and certainly isn't going to sour it with an unexpected change in direction. "Reach For The Sky" kicks things off in fine form, a fast traditional Social D tune that shows their return to form from the missteps of White Light. "Highway 101" is a beautiful song. The chorus is instantly memorable and it's the first true evidence that the band's song writing has grown for the better. Lyrically Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll carries quite a positive message. Ness is as defiant as always and still playing the role of the streetwise gutter-poet, however there's less open conflict evident here. The introspective turn is clear in songs like "Live Before You Die" and "I Wasn't Born To Follow." "Angel's Wings" and "Winners and Losers" mark the appearance of the Old Testament biblical imagery Ness has always drawn heavily from. However these references are less omnipresent than on White Light. "Footprints On My Ceiling" puts a respectable alt-country stomp to one of Ness' most emotionally touching tales of soul searching. "Don't Take Me For Granted" is the emotional core of the album. Written for the late Dennis Danell, it's been a part of Social D's set list for years now but gets its first proper studio treatment here. Upbeat and hopeful, Ness presents it not as a eulogy but as a celebration of life. Instrumentally there's no evidence Social Distortion took any downtime. The rhythm section of John Maurer on bass and Charlie Quintana on drums is as tight as ever, while guitarist Jonny Wickersham (ex-Cadillac Tramps / US Bombs) puts on a phenomenal performance. It's clear that age and tragedy can't stop this band, as this is one of the strongest records in Social Distortion's already distinguished career. Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll is a reaction to the last eight years. It's both a tribute to a fallen comrade and a celebration of all that is right about rock'n'roll. There's always been genuine soul in the work of Mike Ness, but here it burns brighter than ever before. People who liked this also liked:           Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
This was my vary first cd that i heard and fell in love and ever sence have been hooked. I went to my first show oct 3rd 06 front row YESSS and cried as soon as i seen mike come on stage i believe that the man (god of punk)trully dont understand the love and joy he brings to people.His music fills my soul with the most powerfull and amazing rush that is better than any drug out there. thank you social D with all my heart, truely yours Rebecca I LiKE THE SOUND ADN WRITTEN IS A GOOD BAND OF Punk Rock this goddam album is exactly what social d fans have been waiting for. what the fuck is the reason for being down on it huh? what did you want, something that sounded like the so-very-shitty new album from rancid or sometin? I'd have no reason to comment here at all but for the fact that someone just said the White Stripes were talented. The reviewer rightly notes that this album's chock full of cliches, but goes on to give it high marks. Sorry, but it's tired and cliched and irrelevant. My girlfriend has liked Social D, or Mike Ness to be more accurate, since she was 15. He tried to f her mouth but couldn't get an erection, he blamed the drugs but I think that it's telling that he frequently liked sucking his own cock. Short, egotistical, narcissistic prima donna front boys are fairly common, but Mikey Ness is particularly odious. Ring of Fire will be remembered as their biggest hit, and it is just a nasal, whiney cover of the work of a true music pioneer, Johnny Cash. At least Ness admits to his idols and sources, i.e. source of everything of any value in his mediocre career. The guy is getting close to AARP membership and continues to act the part of sensitive tough guy complete with the eye liner. Their best album was by far Mommy's Little Monster and that was over twenty years ago. He realizes that he's a caricature of himself and a has been tooling around in his greaser cars slicking back his thinning hair and participating in crap like the Rock Against Bush record, all while living in the rich Republican suburbs with his little ball and chain. If he weren't an old man I'd knock him out for the way he treated young girls over the years. They're playing Street Scene in a few days and I had to laugh that people will actually opt to see them instead of the markedly more creative, vital, and talented White Stripes headlining Street Scene. I understand that the great punk bands are no longer around but it's sad that fans are so hungry for anything from that scene that they'll pay for the tired, recycled, hackneyed shite that Social Distortion peddles to provide a comfortable middle class lifestyle for decrepit junkies. This is simply one of the best records in the last 10 years(and Social Distortions best one), seriously how can you not give this a 10, thereīs so much emotion and soul on this record itīs amazing, this is how music(punkrock)is supposed to sound.I just hope that they will make one more even though this one will be hard to top. I have been listening to Social Distortion for at least the last 11 years of my life and I couldnt be more pumped about this new cd. Greatest yet! Mike Ness is really showing his maturity and growth in life. At 25, married with kids, I can relate to where he's coming from with this album. This cd has been in my cd player since I first bought it a week ago, my husband and 3 kids all know it by heart. i really don't see any flaws in this album if you're a Social D fan in my opinion i hate my home ec teacher. he's so gay!!! i also have this one drama class w/this really evil chick who is like all ghetto and i was looking at her and shes all w/her ghetto ass "what ?" w/ that attitude and all period all i could think about was taking her head and smashing it against a wall. Most of these comments are absurd. If you like Social D, you'll like this album. If you don't like Social D, this isn't going to change your mind. Either way the first single is simply not very good. Social Distortion is a good band. People should check them out. They are good. Great cd. Well worth waiting for, but let's not wait 8 years for another album, eh guys? Thank you social distortion, once again you have outdone yourselves with brilliant work, someone made a comment that there are no bad tracks, they are correct, all 10songs, all works of art. -oldpunker- Seriously, this is one hell of an album. So much better than I was expecting. I think it has plenty of "UP YOURS" attitude in it. "speaking of which, how bad is hawthorn heights? that shit sounds totally awful." Overall this is a good album. But to me its a rock and roll album, not a punk rock album. It sounds like Somewhere between heaven and Hell for sure. You can tell Mike Ness is getting a little old, as there is lots of country in this and less rebellion. To me, this album is missing the songs like "Mommy's Little Monster" or "Telling Them" or "Mass Hysteria", Reach for the stars is awesome, but the album never gets back to that level. This album took a day to get used to.Now,however,it will not leave my cd player.It's amazing how much Social Distortion has matured in thier composing of music and in thier song writing.Excellent album and I suggest you go out and steal it! This album is great as is the new interpol album. this is their best album, I can't stop listening to it. "what. social d made another album. shit sounds like all their other releases. its pretty easy to see how shitty a band sucks when one of their most popular songs is a johnny cash cover. fuck this shit." the new interpol album is a disappointment. what. social d made another album. shit sounds like all their other releases. its pretty easy to see how shitty a band sucks when one of their most popular songs is a johnny cash cover. fuck this shit. "Stop comparing new punk albums to what was made in the last century!" this album was great from the first listen and just keeps on getting better. "Thanks for "droppin' knowledge" professer... it's always good to know that there's a music obsessed old man here to reference obscure bands nobody ever cared about (sans Husker Du and Dag Nasty) into a music debate. Very good album, agreed on reach for the sky. "Thanks for "droppin' knowledge" professer... it's always good to know that there's a music obsessed old man here to reference obscure bands nobody ever cared about (sans Husker Du and Dag Nasty) into a music debate. The only album of social d's I've heard is the live one, but damn is it good. Altough, Mike's little comments kind of get annoying. Hey I've got some cds for sale, check it out: greatttt ablum nickle and dimes rocks1o1 to to the the idiot who said mike got tats cause good charlout u are an ass social d is one off the best bands EVER cant ant till roseland thursday "Everyone knows that Rites of Spring, Heroin, and Husker Du own Dag Nasty's hiney. Go back to class you reject." wheres the sum 41 review??? :o good effort ness and co. http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=49080&page=1&pp=15 Hey! I don't comprehend sarcasm, I'm going to get upset over a comment that was obviously meant as a joke! "It's funny how this band is trying to jump on the Good Charlotte bandwagon and get some quick, and very undeserved success" It's funny how this band is trying to jump on the Good Charlotte bandwagon and get some quick, and very undeserved success. Yah for you asshats who don't know crap about Social D, people have been ripping off Story of My Life style for years. It's funny how this band is trying to jump on the Good Charlotte bandwagon and get some quick, and very undeserved success. Not that wearing girl's pants isn't cool? You obviously know nothing of what you speak of. Emo has been around longer than 3 years, buddy. "Don't Take Me For Granted" is one of the best songs SD has done. "I bet you couldn't even list an emo band to save your life kid." the kid who asked what people who hate social d listen to, my favorite bands are AAA, grabass chalrestons, the lawrence arms, minor threat, one man army, against me!, the bouncing souls, f-minus, uk subs, plenty more. you were pretty close with the gc and shit though haha,kid..I'm 31 assclown.....The only EMO band I've ever heard that matters is Dag Nasty....Probably way before your time KID......EMO today is garbage....." yeah...it's Social D...what more is there? no cellos or rock operas...just good real rock and roll music... "haha,kid..I'm 31 assclown.....The only EMO band I've ever heard that matters is Dag Nasty....Probably way before your time KID......EMO today is garbage....." This was exactly the album I was expecting - and that's a very good thing. "What's wrong with White Light...? Really?" "I bet you couldn't even list an emo band to save your life kid" This album lacks metaphorical poetry. It is music ment to be taken at face value. But good punk rock nonetheless. If you want depth of meaning in lyrics listen to pink floyd. What's wrong with White Light...? Really? Anyone that can't appreciate this rock album doesn't know good music... it's as simple as that Social Distortion defintly has realesed a very good album once again and II love it. I haven't heard the whole album, but the first single is horrible. The music is alright, but it sounds like Mike Ness has been studying at the Fred Durnst Institute for Lyrical Crap. Very disappointing. "I can't believe anyone has anything bad to say about Social D.....One of the only bands that have released great album after great album....To the idiots who say they suck or they're a pile of shit or whatever, I ask what do you listen to? Good Charlotte?Blink 182?Emo? Regardless you suck." I can't believe anyone has anything bad to say about Social D.....One of the only bands that have released great album after great album....To the idiots who say they suck or they're a pile of shit or whatever, I ask what do you listen to? Good Charlotte?Blink 182?Emo? Regardless you suck. "This band sound like complete wannabes" I dont post here often because there are way too many people who say shit like, "this band sucks." I have no respect for those people because that kind of comment shows no insight and is useless (try I dont like them because......). I do chime in here because Ive been listening to social d for the last 15 years and I think that this album is a natural progression of their sound. It is vintage Mike Ness and, as it will probably be social d's last album (although I hope not), a great way to end thir run. There isnt a bad song here and Ness ability to make the guitar sing, although not as accentuated as in the past, shows through. I dont expect many new schoolers to pick up on social d but for all those who werent around 15 years ago or who were listening to Bon Jovi, I say listen to the progression of the band through the albums. The band has held true to its roots without getting overdone. Deep appreciation for where Mike Ness has come from and what he has done for the genre must be given here......hes a legend. If you want to continue on your "this band sucks" soapbox then comeback in 15 years when one of your favorite bands still commands as much respect as social d. I cant wait to see them on Thursday at Roseland! This band sound like complete wannabes "if you dont like this then i will stab you in the face" if you dont like this then i will stab you in the face mighty fine album, i wish to bear its child havent heard this cd. but i personally think social d sucks and mike ness is a joke Great record, Great review. I absoluly love social distortion I came across their first CD that i have had since who knows when and i Luf it!!!! "Where can you find those statistics?" The first time I listened to this I admit I was a little concerned. Like a Red State person listening to John Kerry - Is this really the type of punk rock band I want? Then I listened again the next day and got over myself. I stopped looking for another "Mommie's Little Monster" and realized that a band of guys nearing 50 singing about how they want to piss off their parents and beat up the jocks in high school would have sounded pretty stupid. Woo,four and a half stars, what a surprise. White Light and Mistep don't belong in the same review. Good enough tho this score is for the review...very well done. i thought time bomb went kaput. "To the person asking about first-week sales: This record is amazing, as was their performance last night, to all of the people making negative comments, maybe next time they'll throw in a few "ois" or unintelligible growls, would that make it better? "Steaming pile of shit. To the person asking about first-week sales: Steaming pile of shit. "i hope this does well in sales" A great album! A real suprise! The keyboards are great thru out it Sorry...a little off topic, but I'm pumped. I just got the MST3K: The Movie DVD...ahh yeah Fuck yeah, finally - I just got the album and it's one of the best rock albums of the year - i hope this does well in sales its odd you think the more straightforward stuff is the key to this record. I love this album...I cant stop playing it...Album of the year will be between this and Green Day The acoustic version of Angel's Wings is so much better than the electric version. Social Distortion always seemed like a subpar version of The Blasters and X. Judging from this record seems they're just as bland now as they were before. "When Angels Sing" is the song that got me into punk, so it's impossible for me not to like this. Joygasm! Great record. I still can't understand why everyone is always so down on "White Light...." That's always been one of my favorite Social D records. I love the juxtaposition of the fast songs with the slower, religious-type songs. Anyhow, these new songs should sound pretty good live - I can't wait to see them in Philly next weekend with Matt Freeman on bass! its a pretty good record and all...but 10 songs? after 8 years? thats kinda weak if you ask me. its obvious mike ness is brilliant...but i mean shit...8 years and 10 songs. i was hoping for a little more. to the guy below me...you've obviously never seen Spinal Tap live. Social D is the Jimmy Buffet of punk. And to me, that's not a good thing. social distortion was by far the best live band i have ever seen, better than the who, better than the beach boys, better than the stones |
