Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes

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Built to last

One of the legends of American punk, Social Distortion mainman Mike Ness deserves a much bigger fanbase for his band in Europe, and 'Hard Times' could be the album to provide it.

Now four decades into his career, the Springsteen-endorsed Ness can spit out a lyric and crank a riff with the same intensity as he did in 1982, but age has made him a sharper writer.

Here Social Distortion's distinctive, no-frills rock is filled out with female backing vocals and piano. They're the perfect foils for SD's roughness and help make 'California (Hustle and Flow)', Writing on the Wall' and 'Can't Take It With You' three of Ness' richest songs.

Just like his biggest heroes, favourite muscle cars and motorbikes, this record is built to last.

Tracklisting: Road Zombie - California (Hustle and Flow) - Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown - Diamond in the Rough - Machine Gun blues - Bakersfield - Far Side of Nowhere - Alone and Forsaken - Writing on the Wall - Can't Take It with You - Still Alive