Even if Social Distortion have lost some their edge on more recent studio releases, this new live set is solid proof that the band's musical urgency is still intact. Seventeen years of classic Orange County, California, pu... more »nk is represented over 17 tracks, as the band moves through speaker-rattling alternative-radio hits like "Bad Luck," "Let It Be Me," and "Ball & Chain." Singer Mike Ness's rockabilly roar is in fine form, as is the grinding rock energy his bandmates put out. Recorded over three nights at Los Angeles's historic Roxy nightclub, the disc serves as a great testament to one of America's finest punk bands. --Aidin Vaziri« less
Even if Social Distortion have lost some their edge on more recent studio releases, this new live set is solid proof that the band's musical urgency is still intact. Seventeen years of classic Orange County, California, punk is represented over 17 tracks, as the band moves through speaker-rattling alternative-radio hits like "Bad Luck," "Let It Be Me," and "Ball & Chain." Singer Mike Ness's rockabilly roar is in fine form, as is the grinding rock energy his bandmates put out. Recorded over three nights at Los Angeles's historic Roxy nightclub, the disc serves as a great testament to one of America's finest punk bands. --Aidin Vaziri
"Social D is one of those punk bands from way back. Well, not TOO far back, but far enough back to have fans of all ages. Social D never tries to pull any punches, alienate its fans, or sell out to current market trends. They're a joy to see live--an opinion which is most soundly echoed by the release of this live album. Early on, Social D proves it has talent by playing their excellent cover of the Stones' "Under My Thumb". The track selection is great, spanning the entire Social Distortion timeline. And of course, they save the best for last, placing the relatively new "I Was Wrong", the Cash cover "Ring of Fire" and the Mike Ness-proclaimed 'hard-luck story' "Ball & Chain" at the end. ~And may Dennis R.I.P.~"
Live and Rocking!
Byron Crump | Flower Mound, Texas USA | 02/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A good live album that covers a bands best material is hard to beat, and that's what you get with this one. This is Social Distortion at their best. The early greats are here along with the tunes that put Social Distortion on the map with greasers and hot rodders. You can't go wrong on this one. Play it loud when you are driving."
Story of my life
Argyllsox | New jersey shore | 06/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you have had a steady diet of (God forbid) sugarcult,lit, or Blink182; then you think your punk rock. Guess again kiddo. Try this CD on for size to see and feel what punk rock is all about. This is almost a greatest hits live, Hand picked by Mike himself; so it will take you into every step of the amazing 20 year career of one of the best punk rock band ever. You can feel the sweat and raw energy of Mike Ness and the boys coming right out of your speakers. Social D have always been a live band. The stage showcases their attitude. If you do end up liking this disc; do yourself a favor and go out and get my Fav Social D CD "somewhere between heaven and hell""
"sorry homey we don't do happy songs"
badcomrade | MI | 12/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This band is still no match for the original Social D with Derek O Brien and Brent Liles, but this is my favorite Social D album. Their studio releases can't hold a candle to their live show, this CD is all the proof you need. At first I thought it was too bass heavy, but most live shows are anyway. Pretty much all of their best songs are here "Mommy's Little Monster" "Ball and Chain" "Telling Them", and they thankfully avoid much of White Light... The only drawback is Mike Ness' puncrock spiel between each song, which is basically repeated ad nauseum from their other live shows. But the music is what's important here, and you won't find a better batch of live r n' r on CD anywhere."