#65: Social Distortion

You say to yourself, 'dear God, what have I done?', and hope it's not too late because tomorrow may never come

Number 65 are punk legends Social Distortion. You know they're big because they've been in Guitar Hero

Wiki Says: Social Distortion (sometimes referred to simply as Social D or SxDx) is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness (vocals, guitars), Jonny Wickersham (guitars), Brent Harding (bass) and Scott Reeder (drums). They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk explosion.

Social Distortion temporarily disbanded in 1985, due to frontman Ness' drug addiction and troubles with the law, which resulted in extended stints in various rehabilitation centers, that lasted for two years. However, the band reformed around 1986 and have continued being active today, even after the death of longtime guitarist Dennis Danell, who succumbed to a brain aneurysm in 2000. Since its inception the band lineup has been a virtual revolving-door of talent, with many members coming and going – Ness has been the only constant member.

To date, Social Distortion has released six full-length studio albums, two compilations, one live album and two DVDs. The band released its debut album Mommy's Little Monster in 1983, which was quite popular in the United States. Social Distortion did not release a second album, Prison Bound, until 1988. That album attracted the attention of Epic Records, who signed the band in 1989 and issued their highly successful self-titled third album a year later, which peaked at number 128 on the Billboard 200, and featured their well-known hit singles "Ball and Chain", "Story of My Life" and the cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." The next two albums, Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell and White Light, White Heat, White Trash were also well-received but not as successful as the self-titled album. Social Distortion released their most recent studio album, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll, on September 28, 2004. The band also released their first Greatest Hits compilation on June 26, 2007. As of May 11, 2010, Social Distortion is in the studio finishing up their next album, which is due for release this fall.

Discovery: Mommy's Little Monster (1983)

Prison Bound (1988)

Social Distortion (1990)

Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992)

White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996)

Sex, Love, And Rock n' Roll (2004)

TBA (2010)

Notable Other Contributions: Rock Against Bush Vol. 1 (2004)

Live at the Roxy 1998

Favorite Songs: It's The Law

Story of My Life

Lost Child

Mommy's Little Monster

Reach for the Sky

Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash cover)

Angel's Wings

Years Active: 1978-Present

Never seen them live.

Social D came around the same time as other California punk acts the Dead Kennedys, the Circle Jerks, and Black Flag. They'd go on to influence many of the acts that will be popping up on this chart. I really started to listen to them from Tony Hawk's Underground (this is going to be a reoccurring place where I got into a lot of these bands), and only have one full album and a bunch of other tracks. Their combination of punk, rock n roll, and folk to me is like if you were to combine Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, and The Clash.