One of the things that always set Social Distortion apart from the rest of the '80s California punks was their incorporation of twangy country/rockabilly into their driving sound. They wound up covering everything from "Ring of Fire" to Jimmy Work's "Making Believe" without sacrificing a bit of sonic fury. With Social D. frontman Mike Ness' solo debut, it becomes apparent that most of those country leanings came from him.
On CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE, Ness is freed to further explore his rootsy Americana influences, from straight country and bluegrass treatments of original tunes to covers of "Long Black Veil," Hank Williams's "You Win Again" and Dylan's "Don't Think Twice." Naturally, Ness attacks much of this material with the same punk-inspired brute force and unflinching lyrical realism that made Social Distortion a success, and it makes CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE an intriguing chapter in Ness' continually unfolding musical story.
Audio Mixers: James Saez; Mike Ness.
Recording information: Ocean Studios.
Photographer: F. Scott Schafer.
Personnel: Mike Ness (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Bruce Springsteen (vocals, guitar); James Saez (acoustic, electric & slide guitars, keyboards, percussion); Chris Lawrence (guitar, pedal steel guitar); Brian Setzer, Billy Zoom (guitar); Tom Corbett (mandolin); Mando Dorame (tenor saxophone); Jamie Muhoberac (Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Veikko Lepisto (acoustic & electric basses); Josh Freese, Daniel Glass (drums).
Personnel: Mike Ness (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar); Bruce Springsteen (vocals, guitar); James Saez (guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, keyboards, percussion); Chris Lawrence , Billy Zoom, Brian Setzer (guitar); Tom Corbett (mandolin); Mando Dorame (tenor saxophone); Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards); Veikko Lepisto (upright bass, electric bass); Daniel Glass , Josh Freese (drums, snare drum).
Entertainment Weekly (4/23/99, p.62) - "...Ness--freed from his powerchording Social Distortion--gleefully chomps at country...rockabilly...even thoughtful folk....it's American rock at its most rabid." - Rating: B+ Alternative Press (6/99, p.106) - 4 (out of 5) - "...the songs on CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE can be divided into two equally impressive categories: gritty, shit-kicking country and atmospheric hardcore blues..." CMJ (4/26/99, p.28) - "...Ness' distinct growl and his gritty personality, both of which illuminate his stories in a way that should attract both ex-punk rockers and new traditionalists." Mojo (Publisher) (12/02, p.132) - "...The album is rock'n'roll of an American vintage, all open roads and ruined lives....His honesty and gravity is never in question..."
This Is One Of The Most Important LP of the Year!!! If you like masterpieces, here you are the best LP of the year: real rock, blues and country roots for a very special singer, a wonderful singer....
There will be another one very soon!
Watch out at October!!!
You'll love it too!!! Submitted by a reviewer (Spain) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Rising to the Top Once Again One of the greatest vocalists punk has ever known has turned to country and rocked the hell out of it. Not only does he show his roots but he does it tastefully. This is a must buy albulm for any Social Distortion fan or any country fan looking for something a little different. Submitted by Graveyard_Farmer (Downey, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
CLASSIC ROCKABILLY! This album is fantastic! Mike has loved rockabilly his whole life and has shown it with his style of dressing and some of his songs with Social Distortion, Mike Ness pulled it off in being an awesome rockabilly composer and singer! Submitted by Julio (King City, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Soulful And Bleeding This album is a pain staking claim to imortality. The emotion rips through the speakers with an astounding conviction. Mike Ness has tapped a "new soul" in music, one that true fans of most any genre should invest in. Anything that is willing to bleed for you upon request is well worth the money. Submitted by TBT (Pittsburgh PA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
roots rock at its finest rising from the ashes of social distortoin mike ness has really put out a great solo album with plenty of old rock and country influence mike ness has made a very catchy and great album check out the songs "dont think twice" and "rest of our lives" Submitted by a reviewer (fairmont) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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