Mike's Solo Work

[rob562]

Out of curiousity, whats your opinions on mikes 2 solo albums. I loved the first one.

I wasn't as high on the second one. I think the first one just had more attitude.

[sandnash]

Well, his first album had original songs with fewer covers, so it has that special touch of Social Distortion, and the second album is purely a covers record. I love them both and can't wait until he puts out another...thats my opinion. I mean, I'm one of these people who can't even pick a favorite Social D album...they're all so good and different in their own similar way, if that makes any sense.

[Midwest Sick Boy]

I love both solo albums, just depends on my mood.

[rob562]

I think you hit it on the head.

[rob562]

One thing about under the influences, on tour their renditions of I fought the law were awesome. I think that's one song thats better live. I feel the same way about hwy 101. Awsome live.

[Mudd]

At the risk of hearing the brooding from those who think very Social D song is a pricelless gem ... I liked the first solo album same as the rest of the Social D albums. A number of great songs and a handfull that fell to the way side. Best part was a different way for Mike to express himself. But still few of these solo songs would reach my top 20 Social D songs, assuming I considered them as such. As for the 2nd album I didn't care for it too much except for I Fought the Law. However, in concert the 2nd album sounds kewl, but I think that's cause Mike usually puts on a great show. Now before I get hear that my words are sacrilege, let me say that Social D is my favorite band of all time. And I'm always careful to keep a critical mind of everything ... including those things I believe in and love the most.

[LuckyNumber13]

I would agree that the first is better than the second. Coincedentally, when Social D came thru earlier this year a friend of mine asked Mike if he was gonna do another solo album and Mike said not to count on it...

[foxiness]

As far as I'm concerned with Dennis, Maurer and Chuck gone, this newer version of Social Distortion is The Mike Ness Band performing Social Distortion songs. Therefore, in my opinion, from here on out all new recordings ARE "solo" work.

[Mudd]

Yes, but done in the spirit of Social Distortion. Mike has done almost all the writing in the past. Mike's solo albums are different

[Wedge0chez]

I listen to the solo albums almost more than the Social D albums. Under the Influences is a great record despite being a covers record. It is very hard to bring something new and original to songs that are so well ingrained in a listener's mind. Especially songs that are of the early 50's and 60's.

Many people have done covers of the same songs and they always sound like cheesy nostalgic throwaways. But Ness was able to make them his own and some of his versions even surpass the originals.

And this is no slam against the rest of Social D but the musicianship on the two solo albums is far greater than any previous album. But with the tour for SLRR, Social D, playing-wise, has the stongest line-up ever. But I still miss Dennis.