Social Distortion – Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes

Before you continue reading this album review, there's something that you should know: If you're looking for the "Punk rock" or "1980's" Social Distortion, you should probably just keep spinning "Mommy's Little Monster" on your record player or stick to watching the documentary "Another State of Mind". That being said, the highly-anticipated album "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" seems like it should have been a Mike Ness album rather than a Social Distortion album; I say this because all songs were written by Ness and the record proves to maintain a heavy country and blues style. However, it's not a bad album; it sounds like a more mature, less aggressive version of "Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell". A few of the songs on "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" have been performed on stage before, namely the instrumental first track "Road Zombie" and "Bakersfield". The record also contains a Hank Williams cover of "Alone and Forsaken", which was also released earlier but this version is more fine-tuned. Many of the songs have back-up singers that compliment the rock and roll sound, including "California (Hustle and Flow)", the passionate and heartfelt "Diamond in the Rough", and "Can't Take it With You".

Some songs on "Hard Times" could have been included on "Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll" like the fan-favorite "Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown", "Still Alive", and even the radio-played hit "Machine Gun Blues". A vast majority of the songs included "greaser" themes such as classic cars, tattoos, women and falling in love, and being "tough", something that Mike Ness has a lot of knowledge in. Although "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" isn't necessarily Punk and may not be for everyone, but it shows how evolved Social Distortion's sound truly is and still fits along nicely in their discography.



 

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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2nd show just added – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Preview: at The Music Box in Los Angeles on March 25 and 29, 2011

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, one of the UK's most iconic bands, are back with their first new album in 14 years. The appropriately entitled 'History Of Modern' via Bright Antenna Records through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group, has already sold over 100,000 copies. And what a return!

Vocalist Andy McCluskey has said that this is their best album since Architecture and Morality, and few would disagree with that sentiment. The album was produced by OMD and mixed by one of the UK's most in demand producers Mike Crossey (Artic Monkeys/Blood Red Shoes/Razorlight).

Last autumn the classic OMD line up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper (keyboards) and Malcolm Holmes (drums) embarked on their sold-out 'History of Modern' European tour. The press has raved on them with quotes such as "well-crafted song structures, lush arrangements and energetic stage performance" and "soaring synth-pop of the highest order".

Of course many remember this band from the brilliant 80's teen angst movie "Pretty in Pink". Film maker John Hughes was such a genius in how he captured the mood and tone of the struggles of a teen growing up. Equally he was just as masterful at creating a sound track that helped give dramatic lift to many of the parts of his films. For many this movie was their first experience with the music of OMD and from that moment on they they became fans of a band that represented special moments in their lives.

The tour is now officially heading stateside this March with North American stops including Boston, NY, LA, SF, Toronto and playing select shows at this year's SXSW. It will be the group's first US outing with the original line up since their 1988 stadium tour with Depeche Mode. After 3 years of critically acclaimed sold out concerts in the UK and Europe, these dates will feature the band mixing their most celebrated and classic hits; 'Enola Gay', 'So In Love' 'If You Leave' and 'Souvenir' with new songs, creating a distinctly contemporary live show.


It's nearly 30 years since OMD first harnessed their creative and commercial powers, and 2010's comeback album 'History Of Modern' proves they still have a way with a warm melody and interesting lyric. For all their love of experimental German music, the Wirral duo remains at heart, slaves to the pop song. History of Modern is a powerful, pulsating, vibrant testament to their shared pop sensibility. Tracks such as 'Pulse', 'Save Me', 'Sister Marie Says' and 'The Future' are huge dance floor fillers while down tempo gems 'Bondage Of Fate', 'If You Want It' and 'Sometimes' are simply beautiful, classic OMD songs that invoke their pioneering and influential electronic roots. Many of today's electro artists such as LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, Mark Ronson, The XX,  MGMT and The Killers have repeatedly cited OMD as a massive inspiration.
  Tickets are selling out FAST -so get your tickets on this new second show that was just added NOW

*** This show was just added to to overwhelming demand
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at The Music Box in Los Angeles on March 29, 2011

This show on March 25 is already SOLD OUT
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at The Music Box in Los Angeles on March 25, 2011


History Of Modern U.S Tour Dates:
March 5th  Toronto, ON  Phoenix Concert Theatre
March 6th  Montreal, QC  Le National
March 7th  Boston, MA  Paradise Rock Club
March 8th  New York, NY  Webster Hall/Irving Plaza
March 10th Washington, DC  9.30 Club
March 12th Chicago, IL  Park West
March 14th Atlanta, GA  The Loft
March 16th Houston, TX  House Of Blues
March 17th Austin, TX  SXSW
March 18th Austin, TX  SXSW
March 19th Austin, TX  SXSW
March 20th Dallas, TX  House Of Blues
March 22nd Denver, CO  Bluebird Theatre
March 23rd Salt Lake City, UT  Depot
March 25th Los Angeles, CA  The Music Box - SOLD OUT
March 26th San Francisco, CA  Regency Ballroom

Big Wheel Staff

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Strung Out – Voodoo Glow Skulls – at House of Blues – Anaheim, CA

Last Sunday 4 different bands were scheduled to play at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Due to last minute delays, we made it there by 9:20 excited to go inside just in time to catch Voodoo Glow Skulls. The line was still relatively long for it being so late. By the time we made it in you could hear Voodoo doing a last minute sound check. Running down the venue stairs you could hear the crowd screaming in excitement and then a quick count off on the drums. Voodoo Glow Skulls opened with “Shoot the Moon”.

The crowd immediately started swaying back and forth for a few seconds until the pit broke out. The pit consisted of people from all different scenes. Some were trying to skank and others were just doing the normal circle pit business. They went on to play songs such as “Closet Monster”, “Brodie Johnson Weekend”, “Insubordination”, “Charlie Brown”, and of the course their famous “Voodoo Anthem”.

People were sweaty and out of breath but kept giving their best to keep the pit going. It seemed like time flew by because everyone was having fun but eventually the time came and they decided to say goodbye with an old song. After a brief into was played, the crowd knew which song it was and yelled out “Dog Pile!” They skanked it up one last time before their set was over.

Quite a bit of people had left after Voodoo Glow Skulls, so the floor wasn’t as full as it had been. About a half hour to 45 minutes later, the venue got darker and the curtains slowly opened. It was time for Strung Out to begin! They started their set with playing their latest album “Agents of the Underground” in its entirety.  The crowd got intense with the random outbursts of hardcore dancing and endless shoving. It wasn’t exactly a circle pit but still very brutal and it was rare if a girl stepped foot in there.

As they finished the last song from “Agents of the Underground” the members of Strung Out asked the crowd if they were ready to hear the old songs. They started off their “old songs” with “Population Control” and it was obvious that’s what people wanted to hear. People went insane, in a good way, and “Population Control” had the biggest pit of the night. They played more oldies like “Monster”, “Never Good Enough”, and Firecracker”. Those few songs made the set better than it already was. They said a brief goodbye but the curtains remained opened and lights till dimmed. Strung Out front man Jason Cruz came out all by himself with an acoustic guitar and played one song.

You could hear the crowd singing loud because the other instruments weren’t involved. Jason left the stage and came back with the rest of the band and played one more song to end the night. The drummer got up and stood at the end of the stage and threw out his drumsticks.

It’s hard to say whether people had more fun for Voodoo Glow Skulls or Strung Out. All I know is they both played an unforgettable set. People will be craving shows from the two bands for a while until they come back to play again!

-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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Against Me! – Cheap Girls – Fences – Fake Problems – at The Music Box – Hollywood, CA

The much anticipated Against Me! show that Los Angeles had been looking forward to was finally here. The Music Box, formerly known as the Henry Fonda was crawling with people all over the sidewalks outside the venue leading up to the front door. Big Wheel was pretty stoked that we were able to kick down 5 pairs of tickets to have a grip of people come join in the fun with us. Once inside, some drinks in hand, we were ready for max fun.
Fake Problems opened the night and the set started off pretty relaxed, but picked up quickly. There music can be described as a folky punk twist. The audience seemed to enjoy the set, showing some movement in the pit, nothing aggressive at all, just some carefree dancing.


Fences were next to take the stage. It didn’t seem like this band fit on the bill for the nights show. As mellow as mellow could possibly be, which seemed odd for a band opening up for Against Me. However, you could feel the genuineness in the music, and the passion that gave reasons to the songs. The genre of music is fitting for a band from Seattle Washington, their music was made for rainy days.

By the time the third band Cheap Girls went on, The place was packed. A quirky three piece from Lansing, Michigan. The band is a product of 90s alternative indie rock, their music and dress hinted at that. The have a very upbeat, catchy sound.


If Against Me’s speakers were fists, you would have been knocked out by the end of the first song.  The energy in every part of there live show brings such an impact its almost unbelievable. They opened up with Pints of Guinness make you strong, the crowd went absurd. They had fists in the air with in the first few chords of the song.

From the front row of the pit to the top of the balcony, every fan was ecstatic and truly enjoying the show .The intensity and passion in Tom Gabels voice as he screamed out the lyrics is more then appropriate for the beliefs behind the songs. This is a band that reminds you why you love Punk rock. The encore included “Baby I’m an Anarchist” and “We laugh at danger and break all the Rules”.

 

-Jessica W.-
Big Wheel Reporter

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Music play list for the week ending January 30, 2011

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Johnny Cash - Personal Jesus
B-52's - Strobe Light
Nekromantix - Back Stage Pass to Hell
Sonic Youth - Titanium Expose
Broken Bottles - Poor Me
Nena - 99 Red Balloons
Anti-Pasti - No Government
Running On Fumes - Soundtrack Of My Life
UK Subs - Crash Course
The Knack - My Sharona
Shattered Faith - I Love America
Jerry's Kids - Is This My World?
No Doubt - Just A Girl
Red Alert - There's a Guitar Burning
The Who - My Generation
Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Let's Face It
Aggrolites - Firecracker
British Sea Power - Waving Flags
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Lower Class Brats - Saftey Pinned And Sick
The Replacements - Left Of The Dial
The Living End - Prisoner of Society
The Clash - Rudie Can't Fail
No Use For A Name - Straight From The Jacket
Time Again - Outcast

The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.

Download the above songs HERE at the iTunes Music Store

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Shows and events calendar for Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, California and states all over the United States and the world. Complete and extended listing covering Punk, Indie, Rock, Psychobilly and more.

Return of the Living Dead Book Signing and Release Party – at Dark Delicacies – Burbank, CA

If you’re a fan of Punk rock and zombie flicks then there’s a chance you’re already familiar with the 1985 cult classic film “The Return Of The Living Dead”. With a soundtrack boasting singles from The Damned, TSOL, 45 Grave, The Cramps and SSQ it is only right that the film would carry out certain Punk rock characteristics, and that it does! The film would go on do be moderately successful at the box office but would go on to be hugely praised in the cult and Punk rock communities, thus spawning a number of sequels. The first two “Returns” still remain the most popular of the bunch, with cast and crew reunions often taking place yearly at horror conventions around the world.

With 25 years since its release date and still popular as ever amongst die hard fans, authors Christian Sellers and Gary Smart set it upon themselves to compile hundreds of behind the scenes photos and cast/crew interviews for one hell of a retrospective book documenting anything and everything “Return of The Living Dead”. The books release party took place at horror-gore superstore Dark Delicacies in Burbank CA with a number of cast and crew on site to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Many of the films fans were glad to meet the cast in such a personal setting, seeing as the majority of cast reunions take place at huge conventions and usually cost upwards of $30 at the door and $20 for autographs. Free autographs and photo opportunities made this already cool event that much more awesome, and to top it all off 45 Grave’s very own Dinah Cancer (who sang on the films most known song Party Time) was on hand to accompany cast and crew!

Two hundred plus fans gathered for what was to be a great time had by all, including wife of the films director, the late Dan O’Bannon. With plenty of down time spent in line I was able to take a look at what the book had to offer and what I can honestly say is that this book has left no grave unturned. Everything you ever wanted to know and more is within the books pages, often with photographic evidence to accompany such anecdotes. The cast and crew were also more than happy to share and discuss their experiences from the set and spill the beans on which scenes were the most fun and disgusting to film (lots of blood and nudity, for mature audiences only!).

The most fanatical die hards brought along more than just the new book to get signed, among the items were original movie posters dating back to 1985, 12” Vinyl soundtrack Lp’s, coffin shaped guitar cases, original artwork and even memorabilia from other films the actors had worked on. Some fans even had tattoos paying homage to Return of the Living Dead!

The Complete History of The Return Of The Living Dead is a success of a project any which way you care to look at it. The idea of fans around the globe retaining interest in a film which would lead to an awesome book being put together a quarter of a century later is a testament to the films legacy. Impressive full color photos on every page affords this book a huge advantage over the small black and white photos usually accompanied with horror flick books, and with an average retail price at just $20.00 this film is an automatic must have. If you were there at the book singing event than you know how much love there is amongst the cast and fans and why this makes for a special book all together.

Cast and Crew at Book Signing: Beverly Randolph - Jules Brenner - Stanzi Stokes - Dinah Cancer - William Stout - Jewel Shepard - Brian Peck - James Karen - Don Calfa - Clu Gulager - John Philbin - Graham Henderson - Williams Munns - Cherry Davis - Robert Craighead - Victoria Slaymaker - Paul Sammon

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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