Distortion [Enhanced]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Without trying to sound like I'm damning with faint praise, this is better than you'd think, especially given how poorly received the last Run DMC album (Crown Royal) was. With The Distortion, Rev Run does away with the pretense of keeping Run DMC alive and, instead, just focuses on what he's always been pretty good at: himself. True, Run hasn't really updated his flow since 1984--but all things considered, this album is surprisingly effective. It helps that the aggressive, thunderous beats backing Run go well with that rugged Hollis flow he's always been known for. Although The Distortion can't help but sound a little anachronistic, it also isn't trying too hard to be contemporary. Instead, it finds Run rapping over an efficient 9 tracks (the entire album clocks barely half an hour so it's literally a quick listen) with that puffed-chest bravado he's legendary for. Worth a listen--and it might surprise you. --Oliver Wang

Distortion,Rev Run,Def Jam,Hardcore Rap,Pop,Pop-Rap,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop

Tracks:

Another State Of Mind
Mommy's Little Monster
Prison Bound
Story Of My Life
Ball And Chain
Ring Of Fire
Bad Luck
When The Angels Sing
I Was Wrong
Reach For The Sky
Far Behind

Customer Reviews:

Save your Nickels and Dimes.......2007-08-05

I bought this on impulse. I love the band, and see them live whenever they're within 300 miles from home.

There aren't any original studio recordings on the disc. Nothing you've ever heard on the radio, nothing you've seen live. It's a quickly thrown-together garage-studio set of re-interpreted hits, and a few non-hits mixed in. There are some obvious choices missing, as well, but I knew that when I bought it.

Some tracks have cinder-block-room reverb. Others have mic splatter. It's just a hard disc to listen to. It doesn't sound live *or* studio. It sounds like a demo tape, really, but without the energy.

If you want live recordings, get the live cd they put out a few years ago. If you want the cleaned-up originals, get the old sony cds (or better yet, just download them for free from the Social D web site). If you've already got both, just save up your nickels and dimes for the next show.

Solid Greatest Hits Record.......2007-07-24

I have been a huge Social Distortion fan since 1988. I remember hearing "Prison Bound" when I was skateboarding a lot. My first Social Distortion show was in 1990 on the self-titled tour. I remember hearing "Ball and Chain" and "Sick Boy" live and it was the most awesome thing ever. The energy at the show was amazing. I have seen them many times since then and through many line-up changes. One thing stays the same and that is that Social Distortion is the greatest band of modern times. Mike Ness always impresses me with his lyrics and signature sound. This greatest hits record is really cool and I appreciate the re-recorded sound. It is very tastefully done and anyone who loves Social Distortion will gladly welcome this as an addition to their collection. I can't wait to hear the new record when it comes out and to catch another fantastic Social Distortion show.

Give Mike a Break!.......2007-07-09

Of course if you are a longtime fan you might now want this, as it is largely a reprise. (Thus the title: Greatest Hits.) I, as a fanatic, am looking forward to checking out some of the re-recorded songs and love "Far Behind." Obviously if you are looking for new material, this isn't the place to go! Come on, guys. It looks like a pretty competent greatest hits collection to me. If you want B-tracks, etc., buy the damn original albums like the rest of us! Mike--you are one of the greatest songwriters of our era, and I can't wait for the new album!

Only one disc?.......2007-07-02

Considering that I have been enamored with Social Distortion since I was eight years old, my review may be on the biased side, but the major quips I have with this collection are that A. It's only one disc: Granted not every Social Distortion song can be called a hit, they have more than 11 tracks to consider great. B. Not all the old songs are remastered: The two tracks I'm really talking about are 'Another State of Mind' and 'Prison Bound'. If you've been lucky enough to see or hear one of their latest shows, they start off 'Prison Bound' with a beautiful piano melody, which would have been fantastic to hear in a studio form, and 'Another State of Mind' with the new dynamic duo of Ness and Wickersham would have been something for the ages. I am pleased to hear the White Light, White Heat, White Trash songs redone, but they didn't require too much reworking because of the album's sheer perfection on its release eleven years ago.

So for those just getting into Social Distortion, or the people like me who will buy just about anything they do regardless of how it's reviewed, give this a try, but don't spend too much on it or expect monumental difference in songs. Hopefully it won't be another eight years before another album hits the shelves.

Worth a purchase even for the hardcore fans..........2007-07-01

When I first learned that Social Distortion would be releasing a "greatest hits" album, I wasn't too excited about it. Of course, I have all the albums already and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of paying $14 to get the one new song in an album of repackaged hits. I was also a bit put off by the fact that this album would only contain 11 songs. That is pretty thin for a "greatest hits" album. Still, since I can't get enough of Social Distortion and I'm a shameless completist, I knew I'd end up forking over the cash.

Let's just say that I was surprised when I first listened to this CD. As has been speculated on by Social Distortion fans for some time now, all of the songs from the major label era albums (tracks 4-9) have been given a major facelift.

This is where things get interesting. As of now, the band has not officially commented on this situation and the liner notes are no help either. Some fans are convinced that these tracks are merely remastered. Others think that the original songs have been re-mixed. Still, more think that what's on this CD is demo versions of the Sony era classics. Others think that the songs have been completely re-recorded.

I can't say that I'm an expert on mastering, mixing, or recording, but all I needed to hear was the first 5 seconds of "I Was Wrong" to realize that these songs are basically totally different. To me, the vocals and guitars sound totally different on all of the songs.

Personally, I don't buy the notion that these songs have only been "remastered". I own many remastered albums. I re-bought some of Bad Religions re-mastered releases in 2004. All of those songs sounded nearly identical to their original releases. The only difference in those releases is that they ended up much louder and crisper on the remastered discs. This is not the case with this CD. These songs have been altered and altered alot.

I'm sure some purists will be put off by the fact that the band has done this under the name of a greatest hits cd. Myself, I don't mind it one bit. It was a welcome surprise and actually made it worth me buying this cd. If I want to listen to the originals, I can pop those cd's in any time. This is a nice change of pace.

The new versions of the classic songs are interesting. I really can't call them better or worse than the originals. They are just different. I like both the originals and what's on this cd. Like I said, this is just a nice change of pace. Also, Far Behind is a great song. Classic Social Distortion.

So, I will say that this "greatest hits" album was worth the money in the end. In a perfect world, I would have preferred them to have released a b-sides/unreleased tracks cd. Social Distortion has a huge catalog of rarities that they've never released. That would have been better for the hardcore fans like myself, but I'll take what I can get. Maybe someday I'll get what I'm looking for (Mike Ness if you happen to read this: hint, hint). In the end, this will tide me over until they get around to releasing another new album. I'll just keep crossing my fingers and hoping that doesn't take nearly a decade like the last one.

If you're a hardcore SxDx fan or a newbie just looking to get aquainted with some of Social Distortion's music, you won't be disappointed with this cd.

Average customer rating:

Social Distortion
Social D
Social Distortion
Their Greatest Hits...
Social Distortion at their best

Social Distortion
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
White Light, White Heat, White Trash
...And Out Come The Wolves
Misfits
Walk Among Us

ASIN: B00000272D
Release Date: 1990-03-12

Tracks:

So Far Away
Let It Be Me
Story of My Life
Sick Boys
Ring of Fire
Ball and Chain
It Coulda Been Me
She's A Knockout
A Place In My Heart
Drug Train

Album Description

Japanese reissue of the Orange County punker's 1990 Epicdebut with two rare bonus tracks: 'Shame On Me' and theircover of 'It's All Over Now'. 12 tracks total, alsofeaturing 'So Far Away', 'Let It Be Me', 'Story Of My Life'and 'Ball And Chain'. 1997 Sony release.

Customer Reviews:

Social Distortion.......2007-06-27

I love this CD. There is a not a bad song on it. My absolute favorite is their cover version of the Johnny Cash song, "Ring of Fire".
It totally rocks!

Social D.......2007-05-13

A great Social D album. Has a few of their classics. I rock out to it frequently. Some of my favorites; Ball & Chain, Drug Train, Coulda Been Me...

Social Distortion.......2007-05-08

Social Distortion ****

In early 1989 Epic records signed Social Distortion to their record label. At the time Social Distortion was not the biggest band in their circle but a record executive happand to see the band play a show one night and fell in love with the bands music, talent, and Mike Ness' conviction for the music he was playing in and belieaving in. With a rare mix of Country meets blues/Punk meets rockibily Social Distortion have managed to make one of the most unique and instantly recognizable sounds in rock n' roll today. In 1990 Epic released Social Distortions self-titled debut album, Social Distortion.

The bands debut album just might be their very finest. Blending catchy mainstream rock with underground punk rock they managed to make one of the better albums of the early 1990's. A number of Social Distortions classic songs find their home on this album. 'Story Of My Life' still gets regular radio play to this day and is one of the bands finest songs. 'Ball And Chain' is a little slower but is by no means less fearce. 'Drug Train' is easily one of Social Distortions very best songs, no doubt in the bands top three. The band also made a killer cover of the Johnny Cash classic 'Ring Of Fire' which is phenomonal. Not to say it is better then the original or worse because their is no way to compare the two. The band took an already great song and managed to give more balls to a song by a man who may have the biggest balls in all of rock n' roll.

'So Far Away' and 'Let It Be Me' are two very simular songs, but both are very good songs and really great ways to start off the album. 'Sick Boys' is not a stand out track. It will only recieve so many plays in your player. 'It Coulda Been Me' has a chorus simular to 'Let It Be Me' but is of much different subject matter, Something much more searious. 'She's A Knockout' is a very catchy throw back to the fifities which the band pulls off excelently. 'A Place In My Heart' is a forgetable song, not memorable in any sence.

Not a perfect album by any means, but Social Distortions debut album is amazing for a debut album, especially when you concider that most of the music coming out in 1990 was by bands who had more hairspray in their dresser room then groupies. This is a great way to start a collection because it is the beggining and honestly this is the bands best album.

Their Greatest Hits..........2007-03-30

Social Distortions major label debut is a veritable greatest hits CD. Nearly all of their "Radio Hits" are on this album. (Story of My Life, Ball & Chain, Ring of Fire). Mike Ness continues to transform the band from the angry punk rock of the early days to the more country/rockabilly/50's rock sound that has made them last more than a quarter of a century.

The only knock on this album is that it is a bit top-heavy. Everyone knows the "hits", but some of the other songs tend to be filler material. Also, the recording quality on this album does not do some of the classic songs on this CD justice and does not reach the quality of the band's later albums. Still, this disc is well worth the money for the classics that it contains. I highly recommend the following songs...

-So Far Away
-Story of My Life
-Sick Boys
-Ring of Fire
-Ball & Chain

Social Distortion at their best.......2007-03-09

This album has new meaning to me now in 2007, where I go to a college next to a high school, where I see a bunch of "punk rockers" spending lots of money to make sure their hair is pretty and that their clothes are properly tattered to maximize trendiness. There are plenty of punk rock bands out there that keep the spirit of Social Distortion alive, but sometimes their music is hard to find, and all the posers you see start to slowly extinguish that old punk rock fire. Albums like this exist for times like those. Just stick it in, turn up the volume, and rock out.

Average customer rating:

I'll never forget this album
EXCELLENT CD
Social Distortion At Their Best!
FROM A DEEP HEART
Their best record, no doubt

Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Social Distortion
White Light, White Heat, White Trash
...And Out Come The Wolves
Walk Among Us
Blackout

ASIN: B0000027SR
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Cold Feelings
Bad Luck
Making Believe
Born To Lose
Bye Bye Baby
When She Begins
99 To Life
King Of Fools
Sometimes I Do
This Time Darlin'
Ghost Town Blues

Customer Reviews:

I'll never forget this album.......2007-06-09

April, 1992. This ablum blends in with the fabric of my memories for that time. I remember it was a beautiful spring that year, and I was looking out over a field of desert wildflowers, with these songs in my head. I remember making love that night to my then girlfriend behind a bush in the park. I remember learning many of these songs and playing them with my friends in bedrooms and garages. Every time I hear "Bad luck" kick in today, I still am filled with the most awsome feeling inside.
This is great, honest, no-frills rock. One of the things I like most about it is the somewhat limited vocal capabilities of the songwriter--he's one of those that has a great song but can only sing it "the best he can", which is great because it keeps things honest, real, and full of true feeling

EXCELLENT CD.......2007-05-12

BOUGHT THIS CD FOR THE SONG BAD LUCK AND WOUND UP ENJOYING THE WHOLE CD.

Social Distortion At Their Best!.......2007-03-29

This album perfects the rockabilly sound that the band began with "Prison Bound" and "Social Distortion". It is definately the most country influenced album that they have ever released but it still holds on to their punk roots. Still, it is an incredible difference from "Mommy's Little Monster". If you are a fan of that album, this is a bit of a 180.

I would agree that this is their most "complete" album. This album contains little to no filler material. It can easily be listened to from front to back. The real standout songs on this album are...

-Cold Feelings
-Bad Luck
-Making Believe
-Born To Lose
-When She Begins
-King of Fools
-This Time Darlin'

FROM A DEEP HEART.......2007-01-03

Lightlly naive in some lyrics but musically admirable, this SD CD is the best frontal entrance gate to one of the finest musical cocktails prepared with a mixture of blues, rockabilly, seventies punk and even some gospel. Lovelly violent and charming.

Their best record, no doubt.......2006-11-09

This is easily their best record--others will argue that it's the self-titled, or "white light..," but this is it. All of the promise found on Prison Bound and the self-titled is realized here. Unlike the earlier records, there's no filler (Drug Train anyone?) to be found here at all. It's just a solid rock album. Yeah, this is easily their best. It's just a solid, mature record all the way through, and the groovy bonus track makes it even better. I love the distorted vocals on that last tune....

Average customer rating:

Back To Their Roots...
SD AT ITS BEST
Hard Driving Rage !
The Best Record Ever Made
Absolutely gorgeous agony

White Light, White Heat, White Trash
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
Social Distortion
...And Out Come The Wolves
Let's Go
Punk in Drublic

ASIN: B000002A69
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Dear Lover
Don't Drag Me Down
Untitled
I Was Wrong
Through These Eyes
Down On The World Again
When The Angels Sing
Gotta Know The Rules
Crown Of Thorns
Pleasure Seeker
Down Here (With The Rest Of Us)
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Back To Their Roots..........2007-03-30

While not completely departing from the rockabilly sound of their previous three albums, "White Light, White Heat, White Trash" is definitely a return to the band's punk rock roots. This album is the closest Social Distortion has come to releasing another pure "punk rock" album since "mommy's little monster". Lyrically, this album has a much more angry and bleak outlook on the world than what was presented in the previous three albums.

This album, along with "Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell" stand as the best two complete albums that Social Distortion have ever released. It is another album that is easy to listen to in its entirety. In my opinion, these are the real highlights of the album...

-Dear Lover
-Don't Drag Me Down
-I Was Wrong
-Through These Eyes
-When The Angels Sing
-Down Here With The Rest of Us
-Under My Thumb

SD AT ITS BEST.......2007-01-03

"White light..." is undoubtlessly the climax of Mike Ness' search for a definitive punk-hearted rock style. Songs like "I was wrong" or "Don't drag me down" deserve to be in every anthology of the finest punk ever played by an american band.

Hard Driving Rage !.......2006-06-09

Probably my favorite album from this incredible band. Heck, all of their albums are great, I cannot really think of another band with the consistency as Mike Ness and the boys. What I like so much about this album is how hard it is. This album kicks off with a rockin' # and just keeps driving the pace and sound up up up. Mike Ness, you freaking rule!

The Best Record Ever Made.......2006-05-03

I've been listening to rock and roll and other popular music since 1963. My tastes run from Hank Williams to Chevelle, from Donovan to Type O Negative, from Dinah Washington to Catherine Wheel. I rarely use words like "the best" because "the best" tends to vary over time and with moods - there is just so much good music out there. This recording, however, over the 10 years since its release, has proven itself over time. Ness and Co. set out with a mission: to make a great "punk rock" album. I don't think they did that at all, this isn't even "punk rock" to my ears. What they made is simply The Greatest Record of All Time. It is flawless in its writing, its performance, and its production. I will be forever grateful to them for making it.

Absolutely gorgeous agony.......2005-10-10

Being a long time Social D fan, I greatly anticipated the release of White Heat... Mike Ness and co. had gone through some line-up changes and in the process acquired "Master of the Skins" and former Danzig drummer, Chuck Biscuits. This new arrival, while he had never been a core writer or personality in any previous band, made his presence more than known on this cd. The tempo and drumming, put to sadistic use in this collection perfectly matched the atmosphere that Ness created when he wrote the songs. Some may say that this cd is a bit depressing. Those people would be right but Ness's pain, loneliness, and frustration is beautiful to listen to unfold. In point of fact, this cd reminded me of why I love music so much. It allows you to explore the darker side of yourself and not to be afraid of it. Kind of scary, huh?
When your finished listening to the entire cd from start to finish, and I advise you to do so, you will feel spent, exhilerated and humming some of the songs all day. Magnificent, heartfelt writing coupled with virtuoso musicianship and recording standards of the highest caliber should result in this cd becoming a pillar in everyone's music library. Most highly recomended!!

Average customer rating:

Social Distortion is back !
The Triumphant Return Of Social Distortion...
Dont take this CD for GRANTED
Mike Ness needs to give it up!!!
Oh no... can I like it? Is it too mainstream? Will I still be all undergroundy and cool?

Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Social Distortion
Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
White Light, White Heat, White Trash
...And Out Come The Wolves
Misfits

ASIN: B0002TGYXG
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

Reach For The Sky
Highway 101
Don't Take Me For Granted
Footprints On My Ceiling
Nickels And Dimes
I Wasn't Born To Follow
Winners And Losers
Faithless
Live Before You Die
Angel's Wings

Customer Reviews:

Social Distortion is back ! .......2007-04-11

Social Distortion brings to the table a feel of rock, rebellion and good times, but have a way of bringing it about in a deep and meaningful way in this record. Clearly the ability and depth of the band is revealed in "Sex, Love and Rock `n' Roll"; this is not just a record to "make a buck" and this is evidenced through their remaining faithful to their roots (the hard edged quality to the lyrics and songs), yet their ability to evolve in the songs.

"Reach for the Sky" seems to be the catchiest of the tunes. It has "radio play" written all over it, but the song is addictive, kind of one of those songs that just comes at you with its guitar riffs at the beginning and its memorable lyrics: "Reach for the sky `cause tomorrow may never come." The song is all about carpe diem: living for today and taking advantage of things while you still have a chance. Who cares if it is a little mainstream? This is a signature Social D song with a moral: the kind of song you want to turn up.

Other notable songs on the disc are "Nickel and Dimes", another upbeat song with the signature sound of Social Distortion and "I Wasn't Born to Follow", the lyrics seem to embody the Social D persona: "When I grow up, gonna be a star. Gonna sing my songs and play my guitar, I'm ready." One of the my favorites is the last track, "Angel's Wings", which is a bit in between hard and soft rock, but seems to evoke feelings of not being stuck in one mode in life, but living life trusting in fate: "Angel's wing won't you carry me home." Another great song is "Winners and Losers", a song that seems to be about the good and bad in life and people, and how everything has its place but keeps pushing on.

Over all, this is just a great rock CD, one that you won't get sick of like so much other stuff out there. This is one of those CDs that gets better with age and begins to grow on you. It becomes somewhat of a habit after awhile. So, when you take a road trip, or are just hanging out with friends, be sure to pop in this one and crank it up!

The Triumphant Return Of Social Distortion..........2007-03-30

"Sex Love & Rock n Roll" is the first studio album from Social Distortion in 8 years. Mike Ness had alot of material to work with when putting together this album. During the bands hiatus, Social Distortion lost guitar player Dennis Danell to a brain anuerism in 2000. Danell had been with the band from the beginning and, along with Ness, was the foundation that the band was built on.

Clearly, this album is a tribute to Dennis. Mike Ness has often said that he felt as though a piece of his youth died with Dennis. The resounding themes of this album is being a man, coping with loss, and dealing with love. These are subjects that are very easy to relate to.

For the most part, this album is classic social distortion. Anyone who saw them during their scattered shows during hiatus is probably very familiar with most of the songs on this album anyway as many of them had already become mainstays of their live set over the 5 years preceding this albums release. There are a few tracks, however, that are there basically just to fill up the album. Still, most of the songs are incredible. The highlights are...

-Reach For The Sky
-Highway 101
-Don't Take Me For Granted
-Footprints On My Ceiling
-Angel's Wings

Dont take this CD for GRANTED.......2007-01-10

I was Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell(Kuwait)when I bought the latest Social D cd. I must have played this CD over 100x during my deployment.
After 100 times, I still listen to Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll
at least once a week. Mike Ness proves that Social D only gets better with time.

Mike Ness needs to give it up!!!.......2006-10-03

I really liked Social D. at one time in my life until I recently seen them live a few weeks ago. I thought Mike Ness was nothing more than boring and down right ignorant. The rest of the band was good, but when the bands frontman can't do much, but say "this next song is about or is.". Give me a break. Mike Ness kept bashing people in Hollywood and politics. He seemed really immature and pointless. I think he really tried to be a tough guy that night. I seen Agnostic Front about a year ago and the frontman Roger Miret is straight up a tough guy just looking at him, but he didn't have to make a seen of himself. Actually he was really kewl with the crowd and appreiciated everyone unlike Mike Ness's fake a.. . Plain and simple Mike Ness is a fake, but maybe back in the day he wasn't until he became stuck on himself. Oh yeah, Roger Miret has more and even cooler tatts.

Oh no... can I like it? Is it too mainstream? Will I still be all undergroundy and cool?.......2006-09-09

I DON'T CARE, if this is them "selling out" or "going pop" or even "becoming the wallflowers" (who I have personally never heard). I DON'T CARE about any of that, because I like the music. That's right, I HEAR the songs and I LIKE them and I don't really THINK about whether or not I'll still be a bonafide Hardcore (pronounced Hard [pause] CORE) kid.

Oh, and they used organs on mommy's little monster, so get over it.

Average customer rating:

Respect
REAL STUFF
this isn't regular social d
Old school country with an edge
kickin country covered

Under the Influences
Mike Ness
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
White Light, White Heat, White Trash
Social Distortion
The Gang's All Here
Hell Yeah

ASIN: B00002EPLF
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

All I Can Do Is Cry
Gamblin' Man
Let The Jukebox Keep On Playing
I Fought The Law
Big Iron
One More Time
Six More Miles
A Thief In The Night
Once A Day
Funnel Of Love
House Of Gold
Wildwood Flower
Ball And Chain (Honky Tonk)

Customer Reviews:

Respect.......2007-05-07

A must have for any real Social D and Mike Ness fan. It is a little different after being accustomed to Social Distortion albums, but listen to the music and don't focus on the genre. I'm a fan of many types of music, a huge fan of Johnny Cash, and I am always glad to see someone follow their heart instead of what is popular. "Under the Influences" is a testimony to those who came before us, so don't buy it expecting that Social D edge. Buy it because you want to hear some good classic songs sung by a legend.

REAL STUFF.......2005-12-20

It's pretty bad when it takes a punk rocker to make a great country album. But that's exactly what happened and thank god it did.
"Let the jukebox keep on playing" is one of th ebest country cover songs of all time.
Keep up the good work Mike.

this isn't regular social d.......2005-12-12

mike on his own rocks, but this has a huge "country" type feel to it, if you're not into johnny cash.. or willing to go beyond a punker boy sound.. this isn't for you. mike's voice still rocks, but the country feel might turn some fans off. for those that liked cheating at solitair this is a good bet. this would be a great addition/gift for anyone that likes country rock

Old school country with an edge.......2005-11-29

Mike Ness' Under the influences is just that, true influences for every style of music. When I bought this cd the second thing I did was buy all of the origional material and it all blew my mind. Every song made to honor the origional artist. Remaking the likes of Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, and the Clash is a hard task for anyone, a task that should not be taken litely. This cd brings more than just good music it brings an added repect for the songs of the past, the songs that helped make the music of today. Overall a good buy.

kickin country covered.......2005-11-24

Mike's done a great job of introducing some old school classics to a new generation of punks. Teaching them that not all country is bad. Forget the Garths & Shanias & give a listen to some true tales of hard luck & heartbreak. He's covered the man in black on a S.D. album so to hear this was a great boot in the ass. I also picked up another great CD of cover songs by Luke the drifter himself called Timeless, a tribute to Hank Williams that would fit in the player right along side this one.

Average customer rating:

The Next Best Thing To Being There...
Great even for the casual Social D fan
live
Transition album for Mike Ness
Best Band in the USA

Live at the Roxy
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

White Light, White Heat, White Trash
Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
Social Distortion
Suffer
Let's Go

ASIN: B000007SNL
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

Story of My Life
Bad Luck
Under My Thumb
Prison Bound
Mommy's Little Monster
Mass Hysteria
The Creeps
Another State of Mind
Let It Be Me
No Pain, No Gain
Cold Feelings
Telling Them
I Was Wrong
1945
Don't Drag Me Down
Ball & Chain
Ring of Fire
Bonus Track

Amazon.com

Even if Social Distortion have lost some their edge on more recent studio releases, this new live set is solid proof that the band's musical urgency is still intact. Seventeen years of classic Orange County, California, punk is represented over 17 tracks, as the band moves through speaker-rattling alternative-radio hits like "Bad Luck," "Let It Be Me," and "Ball & Chain." Singer Mike Ness's rockabilly roar is in fine form, as is the grinding rock energy his bandmates put out. Recorded over three nights at Los Angeles's historic Roxy nightclub, the disc serves as a great testament to one of America's finest punk bands. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

The Next Best Thing To Being There..........2007-03-30

Social Distortion has always been known for its live show. This CD really is the next best thing to being there. Live albums usually are a very mixed bag; however, this one lives up to all of the expectations. The sound quality is amazing and the setlist is a nearly perfect selection of their live performances during that era (it should have included sick boy though). It is also notable because this is the last Social Distortion recording featuring Dennis Danell before his death.

The only thing that could have been done better on this album is that the tracks should have started at the beginning of the songs rather than beginning with Mike Ness's long speeches before each tune. Sometimes, it would be preferrable to just hear the songs without having to listen to or fast forward through Mike's views on the punk rock scene, the establishment, the "old days", or the government. Still, that really is the only complaint about this cd.

Great even for the casual Social D fan.......2007-01-05

I consider myself a casual fan of Social Distortion, and this disk is pretty good. The sound is good, and the energy is excellent. Even Mike Ness's cheesy commentaries between songs are worth listening to. I also bought this disk for musicians I know, because Social D, especially LIVE Social D, should be required listening for anyone performing music onstage.

Highlights, IMO, are Ball and Chain, Prison Bound, Ring of Fire, I Was Wrong. It's worth checking out whether you LOVE SD, are a casual fan, or never even heard their music before.

live.......2005-10-29

1 hour ago just saw Social Distortion Live in Atlanta. People yelled all the way through the concert. Whoops and yells spilling out on the street after the concert. "Live" is the best word for this band when you see them in concert. "Live" for both girls and guys. All seemed to linger after the concert. Total adrenalin. Why see the Rolling Stones live when you can see the real deal?

Some things are totally fresh after 20 years. How is that possible? 5 stars.

Transition album for Mike Ness.......2005-09-28

It's during Ball and Chain, more than Ring of Fire, where you can FEEL the Johnny Cash influence on Mike.
This a pretty important album to have and I spin this way more than any other SD's.
I always thought SD took awhile to find their identity, I wasn't a big fan of Mommy's Little Monster and prior (so I tend to skip some over some of those songs -I know that puts me in the minority) but once they did they didn't turn back (kinda like AFI).
Ball and Chain on this album will always rank as one of the greatest country/rock songs ever written and I know that's the direction Ness wants to continue in. I just hope he keeps uptempo guitar work because it's that constant balladry, well, and a few other things, that turns me off of most country. Check it out live - preferably with a bottle of JD. Really! You'll be feeling bittersweet once the crowd starts taken the 4th verse.

Best Band in the USA.......2005-05-25

You can forget about the debate over who the best band in America is. It begins and ends with these guys. Although not the same Social D of the 80's and 90's, in part due to aging, retirments (Johnny, we need you back on bass man!) and largely to the tragic loss of Dennis Danell, these guys simply put on the greatest show, every time. I just saw them live in Poughkeepise NY (for like the 30th time since 1992), and that show was as powerful and rocking as that first time I saw them at the Sting in New Britain, CT (and like a young dum-ass, offered Mike and Dennis a beer in the parking lot before the show).

Thank you Mr. Ness, for taking time from you family and touring. And for those of you who have never seen the band play, this album is as good as being there. "The kittens are out tonight!"

Average customer rating:

Where It All Began...
Monster's Ball
A Classic Punk Record!
best punk rock album ever
Social D at their best

Mommy's Little Monster
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Social Distortion
Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
White Light, White Heat, White Trash
The Empire Strikes First
Suffer

ASIN: B000005EMY
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

The Creeps
Another State of Mind
It Wasn't Pretty Picture
Telling Them
Hour Darkness
Mommy's Little Monster
Anti-Fashion
All the Ansers
Moral Threat

Amazon.com

One of the true characters of L.A.'s first hardcore wave, Social D's frontman Mike Ness seemingly fancied himself a boot-boy Johnny Cash at the time of this 1983 release. The tales he spun--many of which were later borne out by stints in jail and drug treatment--blurred the line between American anti-hero and punk no-goodnik, between Cash and the Clash. And, unlike a lot of their Angeleno brethren, Ness and axeman Dennis Danell really knew how to write a song. Admittedly, this incarnation of the band is decidedly less accessible than the current edition. And while they may not be as anthemically inspiring as the more earnest work found on, say, Prison Bound, snotty proclamations like the title track and "It Wasn't a Pretty Picture" stomp along with authority to spare. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Where It All Began..........2007-03-30

This is where it all began. Many of the so called "punk rock" bands of today would do well to go back and listen to this album. This is Social Distortions contribution to the first wave of Southern California punk. It sounds as good today as it did in the 1980's.

However, those who are only familiar with their radio hits such as "Ball & Chain", "Ring of Fire", and "When The Angels Sing" might be somewhat put off by this album. There can be no doubt that this is a raw, in your face, punk rock classic.

While they may have released more fully realized and better albums later in their career, this album is essential to anyone who loves this band. The highlights on the album include...

-Another State of Mind
-Telling Them
-Hour of Darkness
-Mommy's Little Monster

Monster's Ball.......2007-01-06

Social Distortion is considered a classic band. For some, though, there is little to crow about. Those people are mistaken. Social Distortion has always been a band worth listening to, even on its weaker releases. This one isn't weak, but it isn't the best, either.

I've got this on clear vinyl from a guy in Italy, so I consider it a prized possession, but I don't listen to it as much as I do the other albums. Why? I don't know, but it doesn't grab me the way I feel a Social Distortion album should. I want to feel like moving, like punching someone, like lamenting, like crying in a beer, or just driving off a cliff real fast. I don't get that with this one, but it still beats anything from Blink-182.

A Classic Punk Record!.......2005-10-17

I grew up on this album as well as Social D's "Mainliner:wreckage from the past" and let me tell you that after 10+ years of listening they have lost absolutely none of their power! I am not a fan of much social D after the early punk years. When mike ness lost the ability to sing reasonably and they became a weird rockabilly/country from the heart type band I said goodbye. If you enjoy bands like Black Flag,Circle Jerks,T.S.O.L. and others from that time period and cali location than you will certainly dig every second of this. The only problem I really ever had with Mommy's Little Monster was that it's only 9 songs long and that the album versions of All The Answers and Moral Threat don't live up to the Earlier ones (which appear on "mainliner"). Do yourself a favor and pick both up right now!

best punk rock album ever.......2005-05-16

I fell in love w/ Mike Ness and Social D in the 80s. They toured constantly, it seemed like they came to the Cameo Theatre in Miami Beach (and when that shut down, 1235) at least 2X a year. Best energy at those shows, everyone screaming our lungs out to songs that told our stories. If you don't get amped listening to this album, you should really stick to emo-core fluffy music, and quit calling yourself a punk rocker.

The new stuff is just as good, but is more of a showcase for Mike Ness' phenomenal songwriting ability. My favorite band in the whole wide world. God bless Social D, they have fed my spirit for 20 years.

Social D at their best.......2005-05-16

Mommy's little monster is in my opinion, Social Distortion's greatest sound. I'm in high school and really enjoy punk music, So this CD's raw enerfy and blaring guitars is a good sound. Don't let this discourage you not to buy other CD's by them though, Because later Social Distortion isalso great, just a different, more mature sound.

Average customer rating:

An Uneven Effort...
Closes Strong
WAIT FOR ME IN PRISON, BABE
Punk at it's Best
The Classic Second Album? I don't Think So!

Prison Bound
Social Distortion
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

White Light, White Heat, White Trash
Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
Social Distortion
Tiger Army
Indestructible

ASIN: B000005EN1
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

It's The Law
Indulgence
Like An Outlaw (For You)
Backstreet Girl
Prison Bound
No Pain No Gain
On My Nerves
I Want What I Want
Lawless
Lost Child

Customer Reviews:

An Uneven Effort..........2007-03-30

This album is still better than most bands that claim to be "punk" today; however, it is lacking by Social Distortion's standards. It really seems like this album is a bit lost. It's as if Mike Ness couldn't quite decide what direction he wanted to take his band. It definitely has the beginnings of the Rockabilly sound that would shape the rest of their future albums. Still, you get the feeling like it is not very realized on this album. This album is half "Mommy's Little Monster" and half "Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell" without ever really coming close to either of those albums greatness. It also has a very downbeat feel to it which is probably due to the fact that it's the first album that Social Distortion made in about 4 years due to Mike Ness's battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

This would not be a good starting point for anyone who is new to the band; however, it does have several gems. "Prison Bound" is arguably the single best song the Mike Ness has ever written. Here are the songs that are worth a listen on this album...

-It's The Law
-Indulgence
-Prison Bound
-Lost Child

Closes Strong.......2007-02-22

Let's get this out of the way, Social D is one of the greatest bands ever, period. And this album is perhaps not as good as the masterpeices that were yet to come, but you do see the promise, especially in the final track "Lost Child," which I think is one of their best tracks for any album. If you are a hardcore Social D fan, I think you will like it and possibly love it.

WAIT FOR ME IN PRISON, BABE.......2007-01-05

Old fashioned tough rebel and very rough, this SD CD presents in a close look the evolution and principal influences of the band, and particularlly Ness'. "Backstreet girl" or "Prison Bound" are songs enough to consider SD to enter into the records of punk history. Fine sound, fine lyrics and fine band. What else can be asked!

Punk at it's Best.......2006-04-19

A great CD by a great punk band staying true to the roots of punk !

The Classic Second Album? I don't Think So!.......2005-10-17

I had heard so much hype about Prison Bound over the years so when I finaly picked up a copy I was hyped up! Ready to rock out to another storming Social D record(after only hearing Mommy.. and Mainliner). You Shoulda' seen the look on my face when it started playing :( Yeah kinda like that except angrier. The album opens with a watered down re-recording of It's The Law. Mike Ness even changed some of his own lyrics so that their just dumb. ANYWAY'S,besides a good version of the Stones Backstreet Girl I no longer listen to this album. If you like Punk or anything close to it than this album will leave you with 'cold feelings'. Buy Mommy's Little Monster or Mainliner instead for some rock n roll the right way.

Average customer rating:

six stars
Patricia Barber can do no wrong.
My favorite Patricia Barber album.

A Distortion of Love
Patricia Barber
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Live: A Fortnight in France
Split
Mythologies
Companion
Modern Cool

ASIN: B0000046KX
Release Date: 1992-05-19

Tracks:

Summertime
Subway Station #5
You Stepped Out Of A Dream
Parts Parallels
Or Not To Be
Yellow Car
Yet Another In A Long Series Of Yellow Cars
I Never Went Away
My Girl
By Myself

Customer Reviews:

six stars.......2002-01-19

six stars is how i rate this disc, i have heard most of Patricia's albums and enjoy "a distortion of love" the most, this album represents my ideal in jazz. i am not a conisseur of traditional jazz, however, this disc, not being traditional, i consider it to be the best in my collection. i wish everyone could enjoy it as much as i do. the tracks are very dynamic, not repetitive in style at all. i have listened to this album reapeatedly by putting it on shuffle play, it just doesn't get old. Patricia has an amazing voice, as one will quickly notice at the end of track 3 "you stepped out of a dream". also track 9 "my girl" done as improv- is simple and powerful,- and quite simply amazing. The performers fall together so well, you will immediately "feel" the talent that was brought together in this album. I have had the privelege on more than one occasion,to listen to this album as well as others on a very high end, audiophile system,(LINN) and this is certainly an audiophile quality recording. I can't say enough about it, i'll soon have all of Patricia's albums, i wish her well and i hope for new releases.

Patricia Barber can do no wrong........2001-10-04

I have all of her CD's and was privelged to see her in Houston recently. She can't do any wrong in my opinion.

My favorite Patricia Barber album........2001-03-10

I have all of PB's albums and this is my favorite with Cafe Blue a close second. This album was released in 1992 and is often overlooked, Cafe Blue and Modern Cool are usually mentioned when you think of Patricia Barber albums. This album is very smooth sounding and has a late night jazz club easiness that is very relaxing to listen to. My favorite track is "You Stepped Out Of A Dream". I also like "Summertime" and "My Girl" which showcase PB's talent of taking someones elses song and putting a new spin on it. If you are a Patricia Barber fan and like Cafe Blue get this album you will not be sorry.

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