Album Release of the Week (Week of 1/18) Social Distortion – Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes

This album marks the first release by Fullerton, California punk rockers Social Distortion since their 2004 album, Sex, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll. Before this album, I wouldn't have considered myself a big Social Distortion fan. Songs like "Story of My Life" and "I Was Wrong" were okay, but nothing I'd consider "special". This album proved my previous views of the band's talent as false. Their unique sound on the album, first used on 1988's Prison Bound, that combines punk rock and country defies all expectations of what could end up a result of the mix. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes was originally planned for release in 2007, but due to the band's live performance schedule, and allowing time for songwriting.


The album wasn't much longer than last week's release, Showroom of Compassion, but what it lacked in length, in made up for in unique songwriting ability. The first thought that came to mind while listening to Hard Times was how it reminded me of The Rolling Stones' 1971 masterpiece, Exile on Main St. Their country-punk sound was also reminiscent of Bob Dylan and similar acts. One of the greatest tracks on the album was a cover of Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken." If you didn't already know this information, it wouldn't be hard to believe it was one of Social Distortion's own compositions.  
Hard Times displayed a great performance from the four man band, and left me wanting more. They've made a fan out of me for sure.


MY RATING: 4.5/5
FAVORITE TRACKS: "Road Zombie", "Alone and Forsaken", and "California (Hustle and Flow)"
LEAST FAVORITE TRACK: A hard choice. If I had to pick one, it would have to be "Bakersfield" 

Buy Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes on Amazon!