Two phrases have been running through my mind as I formulate my thoughts on the new Social D album: "It's got a few great songs, but …" and "not that there's anything wrong with that."
Okay, so let's back up.
Social Distortion, the god-like, greaser-billy-punk band from California, released their new album last Tuesday, and as anyone who's even given 'em a cursory listen knows, the band is great. Not just in subjective terms. They're so technically gifted and expansive in their influences that they can play solid tunes and impressive riffs even after an Ambien and Johnny Walker cocktail.
This article appears in Jan 20-26, 2011.