Social Distortion
Sex, Love And Rock'N Roll

Since 2000, many things have happened..

First, the death of Dennis Danell, co-founder of the group, and the subsequent entry of Johnny "2 Bags" Wickersham, then in 2004 the decision of John Mauer and Chuck Biscuits to leave and the arrival of Matt Freeman and Charlie Quintana.

All this means that in the span of 4 years 3/4 of Social Distortion have changed. In any ordinary group, this would mean a downfall, or at least a reduction in creative momentum. Many start to expect that the "new" Social Distortion will continue to tour the States, playing their old songs until a breakup that doesn't seem too far in the future. Indeed, Mike Ness has already shown he can rely on a good solo career. Why should he bother continuing? The life of a punk rocker weighs on him like an unnecessary burden.

In 2004 "Sex, Love And Rock'n Roll" is released. The voice of Mike "The Bike" Ness scratches confidently once again. A new birth. The album is beyond all expectations. The "new" members of the group (who, for anyone with some experience in the world of American punk rock, are not all that new) prove to be perfect. They are not "players" lent to a project. They, along with the old Mike, are Social Distortion. The 10-track list (plus a Bonus Track) is not abundant. It is just enough for a summary of the group’s mindset.
The first track "Reach For The Sky" is as personal as Mike could write. It brings to mind all his stories about losing a piece of a finger and part of an ear in a few brawls.. "Highway 101" is a great ballad that leaves plenty of room for Johnny's always splendid guitar. "Don't Take Me For Granted" is the group's personal farewell to Dennis Danell. They've managed to strike the right chords. The middle part of the album is pure Social Distortion style, slightly lighter compared to previous works. The songs are more ordered, more mature. They are songs you've been waiting for forever.

The influences remain as always: the blues (Johhny Cash school) of "Footprints On My Ceilings", and of "Winners And Losers", the pure American rock of "Nickels And Dimes" and "Faithless" always mixed with a Punk sometimes veiled, sometimes explosive like at the group's beginnings. The last two tracks represent the two souls of the Social, "Live Before You Die" is nothing but a wish Mike makes to those listening to the album, and he does so wholeheartedly. "Angel Wings" is a splendid ballad that makes one fall in love. Even punk rock gamblers like them and us can do it. To conclude, two possible bonus tracks, one version of the album features an acoustic version of "Angel Wings", while the other has the evergreen "Mommy's Little Monster" live at the famous Orange County concert. Two possible conclusions. Two souls of Social Distortion.

P.S. Personally, I believe that a band should not be judged solely based on studio works. The "live" part is equally important or even predominant for certain musical currents. If you agree with me, go see a Social Distortion concert. It will be the first of many.