Someone once told me that, “You will always know what you’ll get with a Jack Johnson and Social Distortion.” Nowhere is that more true than their new album “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.” However, I gotta respond to that by saying, “Thank God!” Who wants to listen to a band who tries too hard to reinvent them with every release? There’s a reason why Social D is one of the most well respected bands around today.

Mike Ness writes songs that that are both, easy to tap your toes to, and has a great story to them as well. I’ve always loved how he mixed punk with a little hint of Country. The new album is no exception with tracks like “Bakersfield” that have that classic Mike Ness feel to it.

Overall this is a very solid effort for Social D. Some of my favorite tracks include “Road Zombie,” “Still Alive,” “Can’t Take It With You.” If you’re a true fan of Social Distortion then you need to add this to your collection. Make sure you see them when they come through your town in support of “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes” which hits stores January 18, 2011 everywhere. Until the next predictable Social D record comes out, we’ll be rocking out to this one. -JC