Phenomenal: Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
It’s been seven years since their previous album, but finally Social Distortion have returned with a new record. It’s also not hyperbole to say this should already be a contender for album of the year. With The Guardian reporting that rock n’ roll is dead, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes couldn’t have been timed any better. Despite Mike Ness being the only remaining original member of Social Distortion, they still have the soul and energy they always have. It’s also rare in contemporary music for bands to have an identity even in the tone of their guitars, but from the moment instrumental track ‘Road Zombie’ kicks in, this is clearly Social D. It’s not punk-rock as people may expect from Social D, but this album is a flawless love letter to rock n’ roll. This is, simply, how it’s meant to sound. Exaggeration be damned, this is a near perfect record from one of rock music’s most important bands.
Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes isn’t an album that lends itself to a typical review detailing the best tracks. Mainly, that’s because there are no stand-out songs that should be deemed highlights. This is a fantastic album that just works, everything clicking into place perfectly.
It’s one of those albums that, when it finishes, you just skip right back to the start again. It gives you shivers, you love every moment…you can tell you’re listening to something special. Given the preference of the buying public, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes won’t be a commercial success. However, it’s about a lot more than that…consistent, fun rock n’ roll.
Social Distortion are mainly associated with a punk scene they don’t necessarily fit into. They’ve perfected their own sound, combining blues, country and rock n’ roll to make something intrinsically Mike Ness and Social Distortion.
Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes is the Social D album Ness has produced, and it’s sublime. Warm and fresh, it perfectly compliments each and every track. ‘Baskersville’ is a departure from the rock n’ roll style of much of this record, but it’s still an utterly beautiful ballad about longing.
As much as a review should criticise where appropriate, sometimes it’s difficult. This record has been in the making for over six years, and it shows. So far, it’s received almost universal approval from reviewers, with no real complaints.
That’s an impressive feat in and of itself, but it’s the classic country/journeyman rock n’ roll influence in the lyrics, combined with the simple country/rock/punk style. I’ve not even touched on the glorious guitar solos!
Really, this probably won’t get the attention it deserves by the end of the year. It’s not totally fair, but hopefully in a few years time this will still be remembered as a fantastic record. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes should definitely be essential listening for anyone buying into the notion that rock n’ roll is dead, with Social Distortion proving that it’s very much alive and well.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge