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Review: Mike Ness' 'Cheating At Solitaire'
by Jordan Hoffman

published 5/24/99

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Jordan Hoffman is LeisureSuit.net's Queens-based Senior Editor.



MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: these guys rock
your all fucken idiots
you think that social d sucks your a bunch of fags there so good and there one of the best punk bands i think they are better then stupid green day and narvnia

-- dude
Jun 27, 2007 at 3:57AM

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Social Distortion was a band, I was always felt, that got too much credit. Don’t get me wrong: I loved them. Their 1990 eponymous album, “Social Distortion” was played non-stop at Casa de Hoffman, usually in the little tape deck I kept in the bathroom. It was a great shower tape, but it was only there, I recognized, because it was of the moment. There was nothing about the album that made it better than any other post-punk bar band. Why listen to “Social Distortion” other than, say, a tape of whomever just played to half-enthusiastic crowds at the Stone Pony the night before? Simply, the album was very popular amongst my friends, it was always on the radio, and someone dubbed me a copy. In every essence, Social Distortion were very there.

They were labeled alternative, which was bunk, unless you consider Joe Strummer alternative. These were the early 90s, though, and we were still adjusting to the sudden solvency of indie labels, and there was that whole grunge thing. Therefore, I can recall a couple of Trenchcoat Mafia-types, the same ones who’d rather eat glass than listen to Keith Richards, who would swoon over their Brit-synth-pop like Erasure and the Happy Mondays, while still alleging to be fond of, as they put it, “Social D.” They liked the group because the radio told them to.

Well, that’s unfair. They allowed themselves to like this intrinsically catchy musical idiom, and the deck-of-cards-whiskey-bottle-pool-cue tropes that came with it, which had heretofore been severly uncool, because the radio told them to. There’s a difference.

They played on a much-ballyhooed triple bill with Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Sonic Youth. It’s a remembered show, because it signaled for Neil an emergence from a bit of---I don’t want to say slump---we’ll call it mellowing. For a while there it looked like Neil might actually get old. Then Pearl Jam reminded us that flannel was the fabric of worth, and suddenly Neil was lionized by people who’d boo him for not paying “Heart of Gold.” Anyhow, this show was seen by a mix of adventurous music listeners, and the type who’d shelled out bucks to see the Bataan Death March-like tours of the late 80s Dinosaur Acts. The Who, Pink Floyd, The Stones, Jimmy Page and the Outrider Band, The Monkees, Jefferson Airplane, Deep Purple, CSN---each had recently cashed in on the Woodstock 20th Anniversary meal ticket, even if they hadn’t performed there! Thousands of folks who’d not sat before a live musician in over a decade congregated to hear live reproductions of Greatest Hits albums. I went to a few myself.

But Neil didn’t play that way, and to prove it, he picked two of the hottest up-and-coming bands to tour with him. Sonic Youth, those Michelangelo Antonionis of rock, had scored a hit with “Dirty Boots”, and all the critics were gushing over Social Distortion. In the frenzy of those early days---they year Punk broke, as someone said---Social Distortion were actually somebodys.

Then it all went away. Bands were released from contracts left and right, clubs were closing, and music culture dove headfirst into hardcore nostalgia, shock rock, and this VH-1 Divas shit. In the words of my generation: Whatever.

What does any of this have to do with "Cheating At Solitaire”, the wonderful new CD by Mike Ness? Well, Mike Ness was the leader of the now-forgotten Social Distortion. I know, it took me a minute to remember his name, too. And I forgot what he looked like, too. I kept picturing Henry Rollins, but that may just because they’re both heavily tattooed. Other than that, this little history has not much to do with the album. There isn’t much to say about it.

“Cheating At Solitaire” as is suggested by that fantastic title, is a fun-loving, down and out, drunk past last-call record. I won’t shit you: it’s not “new” music, but it is at the top of its game. It’s a good rock album with a little country, fun-to-yell-with vocals and catchy-as-the-flu (boogie woogie) melodies. There’s some understanding here of irony, as Ness poses for James Dean-like poses in washes of technicolor, allowing a few modern accesories, like the ridiculous tattoos and patches for 70s logos, and slaps “Lo-Fidelity” atop the 1950s cover art. It’s an irony that West Village God Chris Isaak does not understand, something Mike Ness is sure to ram down your throat---or maybe not

And the songs: a nice mix of originals and decent covers. Specifically Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”, perhaps the definitive rock and roll version of the old number. Beating the pants off of Eric Clapton’s House-Of-Snooze version, all it takes for Ness to make the song his own is just bend the high note flat a bit on the second beat. That’s it, and the song is reinterpreted enough to sound fresh and relevant. Who’d’ve expected that?

If you buy one fatalistic, tough-guy, country-tinged, black jeans-wearin’ hard rock album this year, so long as Keith Richards doesn’t release anything, this is the one.


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Name: dude
Subject: these guys rock
-- Jun 27, 2007 at 3:57AM
your all fucken idiots
you think that social d sucks your a bunch of fags there so good and there one of the best punk bands i think they are better then stupid green day and narvnia

Name: jackdaniel
Subject: mommy's little monster
-- Sep 12, 2005 at 9:47PM
dude ur the most retarded idiot i ever heard of social d is the fucking band of cantry u stupid snow baller eat u fat lard

Name: spud
Subject: idiot
-- Jul 25, 2005 at 2:27AM
you are a fuckin idiot. mike ness saved american music. go eat a bowl of dicks.

Name: Tattoo Gerry
Subject: Cady/ Doodie
-- Apr 13, 2005 at 4:30AM
If I fuck up in this letter, it's because I can't stop laughing at what I just read from Cady, and Doodie.
First of all, Cady,,,,
Come on now. Ease up a bit. You gotta double your dose of prozac, and you need to stop that fucking swearing. If you're going to swear, at least learn how to put it into context. You just totally fuckin over do it. And your punctuation is far from stellar. Actually, it downright sucks. Go back to school. Then go to Church and be forgiven for your sinful and foul mouth.
Next up,,,,
Doodie.
You're an idiot. Do you even realize that you have told everyone who comes to this site that you're cock sucker? I mean homosexual? If you've seen pics of Mike sucking Jesse James' "knob" (sure ya did), it must've been when you were pole surfing gay web sites.
You're fucking stupid to think anyone would believe your cock loving ass. You're the one who's gay. Accept it. And shut the fuck up, it's not polite to talk with your mouth full.

Name: Tattoo Gerry
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Apr 13, 2005 at 3:48AM
I'm absolutely blown away at the enormous ammount of respsponses in regards to this Hoffboy dudes review on Mike Ness. Talk about expressing opinions. Fuckin aye!
It's obvious that this hoffguy really isnt into Ness or Social D, and therefore has no clue as to what the fuck he's talking about. He even says it himself in a roundabout way. I wonder if the fairy fuck even kicked back and really listened to it entirely.
Hmm, something tells me he didnt.
Check it out,,,
I'm not saying that Social D is the greatest band to walk the face of the earth. Nor am I saying that Mike is the greatest musician to fill our heads w/ music.
But they definately ARE and WILL always be my favorite band.
I grew up w/ bands like Zeppelin, Sabbath, The Doors, Hendrix, and the country outlaws David Allan Coe, Hank Jr., Johnny Cash, and yes, even Willie Nelson.
Think about it: Mike Ness has brought Social D and his solo career this far because he wasn't afraid to express his versatile influences of his life in music.
So to borrow a phrase from David Allan Coe, "If that ain't punk, I'll kiss your ass".
Who gives a shit if Mike's riffs aren't slammed out at supersonic speeds? Where is that Yngwie Malamute guy at now? He sure as fuck isn't playing any gigs around these parts.
Bands (if you could call em that) like Green Day, Good pft* Charlotte, hahahaaa, whatever, are fuckin lame. They are NOT punk. Punk Bitches is more like it. Those guys dont even write their own tunes. They play what the record companies tell them to. They are the sell outs. Mike plays with heart, sweat, and balls. His guitar licks are felt clenching in the depths of your guts.
So on that note,,,,,
Hey Hoffman, maybe you should've displayed your review in the bottom of a trash can. Stick with the bullshit bands that YOU relate to, or give your job to someone more deserving.
Oh, and by the way, seeing as how much you liked "Cheating at Solitaire", you really owe it to yourself to go to your local record store and pick up Mike's other solo record, "Under the Influences". Awesome and top notch.
Someone said that if you said that shit to Mike's face, he would kick the shit outta you. I think he'd just laugh, and then spit on you. I know I would. So, until you are able to grace us S.D. fans w/ anything comparable, SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: Ick
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Mar 26, 2005 at 2:35PM
If I ever meet or find this JACKASS who wrote this review, I'll... be prison bound, cuse I'm gonna print this out wad it up in a big assed ball and shove it up his ass while I pound him into the filth he crawled out of. I realize everyone is entitiled to his opinion, But as I was taught, Opinions are like Assholes, everyone's got one and they stink. So keep your fucking opinions to yourself, or review in this case. Mike has many sides to himself as an artist and is excellent at all of them. Some people don't like an artist who is diverse, but does the same shit over and over again. Mike has been big in this business a long time and knows what his fans like. If he wants to show his other sides, I'M BUYING IT! So Jordan come up to Portland Oregon and bring your OPINIONS. Your probly a big fan of Michael Jackson, his POP music, and his little boy loving antics.

Name: primesuspect
Subject: Mike
-- Mar 19, 2005 at 12:43AM
You know...this is a pretty fucking stupid debate. The person who wrote this article can't seem to recognize that the reason Mike went solo on this album is because it ISN'T a punk album! Wow! With Social D, he does punk. On his own, country. And all you Social D fans...get a little mature, eh? You keep insulting the writer of the article, how about you step back and debate it out? Just making fun of him makes you seem like an idiot. That said, Social D fucking kicks ass!

Name: tanner
Subject: mike
-- Mar 18, 2005 at 5:58PM
it's the shit

Name: ANDR3A
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Feb 18, 2005 at 5:29PM
MIKE NESS IS JUST ONE OF THE GREATEST MUSICIANS EVER. HE HAS EVOLVED IN MANY WAYS ALL THIS TIME AND HAS MADE OF HIS MUSIC AN AMAZING COMMUNICATOR. I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN PLAY CRITICS. FUCK YOU. SOCIAL DISTORTION RULES. STILL KICKING ASS!!!
IN PERU, WE LOVE THEM!

Name: erik
Subject: sickboys
-- Feb 18, 2005 at 8:06AM
I said rudeboys instead of sickboys because i'm tired and not paying attention. sorry- I know what a rudeboy is. but what exactly is a sickboy? anything more than the song? thanks.

Name: erik
Subject: mike ness/rudeboys
-- Feb 18, 2005 at 8:04AM
hey- I am just hitting different spots trying to find out what, exactly, a rudeboy is...anything more than someone fitting the generic description in the Social D "rudeboys" song? I would really like to find out. Any response would be great. thanks.

Name: Lizzero
Subject: Mike Ness/SD, Feb. 11, 2005
-- Feb 11, 2005 at 6:18PM
Fuck all u idiots who thinks mike ness and social d sux. shit, social d is one of the first punk bands to become big. i bet not even one of u shit talkers would say the stuff u say right now to his face cuz if u did ud get the shit beat out of u. socail d is one of the greatest punk bands ever. Im gonna go see them on march 23rd at the joint in vegas so if any of u have a problem with social d go there so u can talk shit to the people that like social d. i have no more to say.

Mike Ness your the fuckin best man.

Name: altcountryboy
Subject: Mike Ness/ Social D
-- Nov 28, 2004 at 5:45PM
From one old school punk kid grown into a country/rockabilly man.
Fuck all you who have time to put Mike down. If you can do better,do so, and still be out there giving it strong this many years later.If not, shut the fuck up. Great album mike keep them it coming.
Dope Feind Blues I can really relate. All so true. Fuck Man
I wish you would come to Canada more often some old school boys and chicks that would just love to see you live again!

Name: altcountryboy
Subject: Mike Ness/ Social D
-- Nov 28, 2004 at 5:45PM
From one old school punk kid grown into a country/rockabilly man.
Fuck all you who have time to put Mike down. If you can do better,do so, and still be out there giving it strong this many years later.If not, shut the fuck up. Great album mike keep them it coming.
Dope Feind Blues I can really relate. All so true. Fuck Man
I wish you would come to Canada more often some old school boys and chicks that would just love to see you live again!

Name: GlitterBass
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 21, 2004 at 8:59PM
I am deeply troubled by not only this article and it's pure dismissal of Mike Ness and Social Distortion, but also by some of the irresponsible postings. First off, it matters not if Mike Ness is gay (he is married, with two children), and second Social Distortion is not one of those bands "radio" tells you to like - unless you live in California or Seattle. In Arizona, Social Distortion was RARELY played on the radio, and their popularity was driven by word of mouth and the fact that their music was (and is currently) GOOD. With the release of "Sex, Love and Rock & Roll," Mike Ness has proven that his songwriting has matured. But even back then, with songs like Lost Child and Don't Drag Me Down, Mike has always penned songs of significance, blending them with songs that may not be as lyrically challenging (Sick Boy, Mommy's Little Monster) but yet very relevant for those that were living the life. Mr. Hoffman, all I have to say is that somewhere is your own sad teenage years (listening to the Smashing Pumpkins, no doubt) you missed the point that Mike was making . . . different strokes for different folks, I suppose - but in the end, Mike can pen a song - listen to the new album, listen to "Don't Take Me For Granted," or "Footprints on My Ceiling." And for the record, Neil has yet to put out a relevant solo album in how many years? And yet, Social Distortion continue to tour - continue to write relevant tunes. Right on, Mike, right on!

Name: Ryan Milko
Subject: mike ness
-- Aug 14, 2004 at 2:37AM
mike ness is god,, and we musically talented people would love to meet mike ness. i'am amateur guitarist but my brother is a professional drummer. we both adore you. you are the man. please don't hesitate to reveiw us, please respond. we love you mike ness. p.s. my brother Ryan Milko is the premere drummmer of the centerary.

Name: hooker
Subject: Re: mike ness
-- Jul 24, 2004 at 10:33PM
fuck you you fucjing good for nothing poser you have no fucking clue what your talking aboutasshole

Name: Doodie
Subject: mike ness
-- Jul 19, 2004 at 3:20AM
Mike Ness is a washed up motherfucker, his tunes are all repetitive. He sings like he recorded himself singing while taking a serious shit. I heard he was gay too, infact I've seen pics on the net of him sucking Jesse James' knob. Have a great day losers, and go pick up some real punk rock,instead of the watered down corporate shit you all listen to right now.

Name: stooge68
Subject: mike ness
-- Mar 15, 2004 at 6:28PM
where in detroit will mike ness be playing?Tour dates say may 21, i need to know so i can be first on my block to get tickets.

Name: Dan
Subject: mike ness
-- Jan 22, 2004 at 5:28PM
This ain't a question to be rude, or off the wall. I heard that Mike Ness is gay, is it true. I only want to get the story straight. Either way Mike Ness, your one special dude. Love your music.

Name: Bo
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Oct 30, 2003 at 5:29PM
Your sooo.. Fuckin Cool!

Name: Chris
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Oct 1, 2003 at 8:55PM
Social D has been around for over 20 years!! Why Mike Ness gets my respect is that he does not pretend to be some perfect man and he does not have an "I'm better than you" attitude. He admits his faults , his wins, his failures, his battles, rights and wrongs and sticks by them. This all made him a better man and a real man cuz he can stand for it.

Name: Rockabilly Reject
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Sep 29, 2003 at 3:17AM
I bought this album because Mike Ness is a god. The album is unbelieveable. It expresses how us rebels feel. Ballard of a Lonely man is a song for all us old drunks.

Name: rockmare
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Sep 13, 2003 at 11:03AM
I heard his music one lucky day at HOT TOPIC. I have been mesmerized ever since like when I heard Dylan for the first time. Mike please come to Houston. This MAN can express more in one breath than that rap crap and wanna be punks. Looking forward to the next dose of mikeness!

Name: louie
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Aug 25, 2003 at 2:42PM
i went to the hootenanny and caught mike's guitar pic.

Name: The Jukebox
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Jun 20, 2003 at 1:33PM
I chop Mike Nesses 54' chevy 4 kicks.see u guys at irvine

Name: sickboy
Subject: poseurs
-- Apr 19, 2003 at 6:52AM
fuck you all, mike is the king of kings, either worship or go back to celine dion you pukes. Sickboy forever.

Name: zoestar
Subject: Cheating at Solitaire
-- Apr 17, 2003 at 3:01AM
MR. Joe Cadillac i couldnt have said it better myself. Social D. is fucking rad. im going to their show comming up here on may 16th in San Diego. And im going to try to make it out to see em in Irvine this summer.. see you all there !!!! SD forever !!!!

Name: Kristina
Subject: Cheating @ Solitaire
-- Apr 15, 2003 at 11:31AM
It would help if could spell SOUL right, huh?

Name: Kristina
Subject: Cheating At Solitaire
-- Apr 15, 2003 at 11:30AM
I've got the lyrics tattooed on my back. They're a part of my sould. Unfuckingbelievably amazing stuff. Ness is amazing, I'm meeting him this summer, and I have no idea what to say. What an amazing person, though. It will be a good day.

Name: Rob
Subject: idol worship
-- Mar 22, 2003 at 8:31PM
Anyone who thinks that music review should be nothing more than idol worship is a moron. Mr. Hoffman responded a loooong time ago--he likes the album! But apparently, being a greaser or a sick boy means shoving your head up Mike Ness' ass. There is a lot of talk here about what "being a punker" is . . . I certainly never thought that it was about idol worship!

Name: 46 ford
Subject: Ness in DP
-- Mar 21, 2003 at 12:59AM
Social distortion has more heart then any band out there. They should play a show in south county in DANA POINT.
OC Grease forever

Name: Jim
Subject: mike ness's hair jelly
-- Feb 22, 2003 at 12:38AM
i met him in cincinati, oh, and was suprised to find out we used the same stuff. Murray's Pomade, it comes in an orange can.

Name: aaron
Subject: mike ness.
-- Jan 26, 2003 at 12:00AM
i think mike is a very profound individual, and that this is what seperates him as special. his lyrics are simple, yet in understanding what he has experienced they take on a new meaning. he is cinstantly battleing between what is right and wrong. the devil has a grip on him (just like any other good punk) but he wants to be free. and this dicotomy is felt very strongly in his music.

Name: Bill
Subject: Social D
-- Jan 1, 2003 at 8:15PM
Possibly the best band ever!

Name: sam
Subject: mike
-- Dec 26, 2002 at 6:40PM
the cd was awsome

Name: melda moreno
Subject: mike
-- Dec 20, 2002 at 9:23AM
--dec-20,2002 at 6:18am
dude i dont know who you are,but homie you just have to realize that some bands and singers like mike are still the shit because they are still in...and no matter what they are playing people like them and thats just how its going to be. for the simple fact that they play the old time good'ol songs with different beats that kids from the century like and have a feel to. its like bringing the old good stuff back and not letting the lyrics die..so, you just have to see it from a whole helleva different perspective

Name: JONNY
Subject: HAIR GREASE
-- Nov 8, 2002 at 7:25PM
Hi back in "99" i was interested in what kind of hair grease mike ness used,i never found out. does anyone know?FUTURE999"

Name: SEAN BROWN
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Nov 5, 2002 at 9:16PM
MIKE NESS IS THE SHIT.. HAHA I JUST STARTED TO LISTEN TO SOCIAL D. AND MIKE NESS ETC.. AND W.E.. AND SHIT ITS AWSOME.. AND LIKE SOMEONE ALREADY SAID... YOU CANNOT FAULT MR. HOFMAN FOR HIS OPION. ALTHO ITS REALLY FUCKING NIGGER SHIT.. ELF OUT

Name: Cady
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Sep 3, 2002 at 11:58AM
Oh my god to begin with I agree FULLY with my bud Marcy. Hoffman, your one of BIGGEST DUMBSHIT DUMBASSES for even having the tiny balls to talk SHIT about Mike Ness!!!! I can honestly say that you are a STUPID ASS DUMB SHIT GOD DAMN MOTHER FUCKER that doesn't know about anything you are talking about!!!! YOU STUIPID MOTHER FUCKER how could you say that Social D. is forgotten, MOTHER FUCKER you should stop talking out of you ASS, first know what the FUCK you are saying before you make anymore reviews!!!! I swear that you the STUPIDEST MOTHER FUCKER I have EVER read about!!! You STUPID MOTHER FUCKER just By reading this I already know you have SHIT FOR BRAINS!!!!! I really don't know why the FUCK you would write bad about SOCIAL DISTORTION! I think that they are one of the best bands.

Name: marcy
Subject: mike ness
-- Aug 31, 2002 at 6:24PM
hoffman you fucken moron how the fuck are you going to say that social d is forgotten.have you ever been to one of his latest concerts and seen hundreds of people there,no i didnt fucken think so. just go back and do your little reviews on n'sync or whoevers name you remember.

Name: Jess
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Feb 22, 2002 at 1:58PM
Both of Mike Ness' solo
albums are always in my
cd player, along with
Social Distortion.
However, we cannot fault
Mr. Hoffman for his
opinion. Not everyone
likes what we like, nor
should we expect them to.
My one and only groupie
question...I'm visiting
LA this summer and would
love to see the home of
Mike Ness...anyone know
where it is?

Name: JAy
Subject: M.Ness
-- Jan 4, 2002 at 7:37PM
This is the album that got me out of the candy ass rave scene and in to rockabilly

Name: lesa
Subject: mike
-- Dec 18, 2001 at 8:58PM
met him, talked to him, and he is for real. social d kicks ass. this is what real music ia about. take it from someone who has been punk before it was cool.

Name: Case
Subject: Ness
-- Nov 9, 2001 at 5:05PM
Can anyone spell anymore?

Name: 49 Merc
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Oct 5, 2001 at 4:10PM
Hey say whatever you want about whoever you want, but understand that when you listen to an album because its on the radio and your friends play it in your company, but toss it out once it isn't being spun at the local station every hour and a half or in MTV's regular rotation anymore you only prove youself as a poser with no musical interest. A thirteen year old teenie bopper listens to albums for exactly the same reasons you do and that makes your opinion worth shit.

Name: Joe Cadillac
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Sep 20, 2001 at 6:03PM
Social Distortion was forgotten by all the people who don't matter. They were forgotten by the people who wouldn't know a great rock band if they kicked them in the face. But for all those people who have discriminating tastes for music, rock and roll aficianados, Social Distortion has stood the test of time and will always have a following of loyal fans. Greasers and country boys, hicks and punks can all enjoy Mike Ness's songs. And nowadays in the TRL driven pop-punk music era, bands like Blink 182 will simply be forgotten when their looks go away, because their music is crap. Mike Ness also provides a role model for the bad-ass that MTV could never sell. Mike Ness's songs will never go out of style because as long as people like a country-tinged, rockabilly punk song that has a melody that gets stuck in your head and still kicks you in the ass, there will always be an audience to listen. Social Distortion rocks!

Name: CAMPS 13
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Sep 18, 2001 at 3:35AM
HOFFMAN U SORRY ASS BITCH GO LISTEN 2 SOME N SYNC OR SOMETHING U FUKIN GURL-IF I KNEW WHO U WHERE I WOULD BEAT THE FUK OUT OF U- IM A SICK BOY AS WELL-DAMN RIGHT I WOULD!

Name: camp,s 138
Subject: social d rulz
-- Sep 18, 2001 at 3:32AM
i think that social d is a very damn good band and they kik ass.and mike ness album "cheating at solitaire " is a good album and its not all that bad and social d isnt a one day miracle they worked fuckin hard 2 get were they were or r at. they r an old band but still playing hard and they r still good.i dont care if u like them or not i do and what!i like all rockabilly and shit. SOCIAL DISTORTION --DONT DRAG THEM DOWN MOTHERFUKER! U FUCKIN SORRY ASS SHIT HOLE-- MIKE NESS KIKS ASS 2 . ITS ALL ABOUT THIS GREASER LIFESTYLE, BOOZE,TATTOOS, SAME BAD LUCK , LUCKY 13 AND ALL THAT MESS. dONT HATE YOU SORRY ASS SHIT! go FLIP ME OFF AND ILL SAY U GOT NINE OF THOSE OTHER FINGERS-WELL GET THEM AND STIK EM UP YOUR ASS MOTHERFUKER-SOCIAL D RULZ- BITCH ASS MOTHERFUKER!

Name: marco
Subject: get a life
-- Aug 6, 2001 at 3:45PM
for those of you who are putting down this guy for speaking his mind, and telling us that you are punk,try to remember what punk is ,was ,and shall remain in many of our hearts and minds-true expressions of self:mind ,body and soul.i bought ness' cheating at solitaire today and can't get enough of the mix of country and rock with VOLUME. i can't say that i've ever seen ness(i live in h.e. ohio)but i love listening to his outlook on life's happenings. i look forward to seeing him someday and to catching all of his recordings. true punk is being happy as you are and not caring about anyone elses opinion.

Name: THE GONZ
Subject: ALL OF YOU
-- Jul 21, 2001 at 4:02PM
MIKE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. PLEASE PLAY SOME MORE SHOWS IN BAKERSFIELD. COME TO THE CHRYSTAL PALACE.

Name: mike mathews
Subject: find your roots
-- Jul 5, 2001 at 7:03PM
my opinion on mike ness's album "cheating at solitare" is that he is simply going back to his roots.successfully carrying on the tradition of hank williams, johnny cash,
merle haggard, goerge jones ect... and alot like punk, that style of music relates to life, loss, and the misery's of love and society.
having listened to traditional honky tonk all my life. this album
reminds me of how music was and should be still.
in my opinion this album
is an example of the talent that so many people thought said was dead.

Name: 54choptop
Subject: what is punk
-- Jun 13, 2001 at 11:25AM
I have been a long time fan of Social D and Mike Ness for many years. The media and record companies tend to rename styles of music. I guess what I am trying to say is that a bunch of suits decide what band and type of music the american public should listen to. Judging from Hoffman's review he has not done his reasearch on Social D. Although he is entitled to his own opinion, I feel there is a lot of useless information in the review. One thing Hoffman does not understand is the adversity and termoil Ness has overcome there the 80's. I don't agree with the review because it seems that Hoffman has only listened to two differant albums. I think Hoffman must open the CD covers and read the lyrics to fully under stand the way Ness thinks and writes about life experiences. Back to WHAT IS PUNK? Punk comes from the heart. You must be true to yourself and beable to question society. A true punk is unique to him or her self. A punk is not afraid to express themselves in any way. Finally punk is not all music. Music is only one way to express your feelings and thoughts on about your self or society. I also have the feeling that Hoffman thinks Mike Ness and Socilal D is a sell out band. Which I believe is wrong. I have seen Social D and Mike Ness many times in concert and there have never been more than 200 people at a show. That includes WoodStock 99. My opinion is that small shows are better, because only true fans will show and you know the band is not there just for the money. In conclusion everybody that has responded to this review should sit back and anylize themselves to see if they are really punk or if they have just stepped aboard their own little band wagon.

Name: Sheena
Subject: SxDx Overrated?!?
-- May 24, 2001 at 11:49AM
Look--I couldn't agree more that Mike Ness' solo stuff kicks ass but when you say that Social D is overrated and is popular cuz "it's there", well, I'd have to say that you can go to Hell. I'm 19 and a native of the Pittsburgh area--I was never around during the reign of punk in the 80's or even in the SoCal area, nor have I ever heard a single song preformed by them played on the radio. Social Distortion is my favorite band because they keep it real and always have and because the music is GOOD, you see? I'm sorry, but "Mommy's Little Monster" is far superior to, let's say, fucking Adolescent's "Amoeba". Those other punkers in the streets didn't know what life was about yet. Mike Ness did and used it beautifully. This man can do no wrong in my eyes and he only got a firmer grip on my respect by staying true to his roots in the later years. You know you're punk as fuck when you can give hommage to Buck Owens and Bob Dylan. And that, my friends, is without mentioning how sexy he is.

Name: Teanna
Subject: mike ness is god
-- Mar 29, 2001 at 1:18AM
Dude i read some shit on here about white power? what the fuck is that....if i ever ran into that bitch i would kill her....fuck racism....anyhow...m ike ness is a god of rock'n'roll/rockabil ly.hes great on the guitar,he has a sexy voice,great lyrics and social distortion is awesome too.....i have every album i could get my mike hungry hands on plus i have tons of singles.....and for that white power chick,...you come into my neighbore hood saying white power and you will get killed sooo quickly.....stupid ignorant bitch!get a fuckin clue...you cant poor that white power shit anymore hun,its the double 00's now

Name: Stompbox
Subject: Clueless Fuck
-- Feb 16, 2001 at 11:27PM
While I respect your opinion, I must say that you are a clueless fuck.Punk wouldn't be where it's at today without Mike Ness or Social Distortion.They were fuckin' shit up before all these poser ass punk bands were out of diapers.I have met Mike after one of his shows and he was cool as hell to me, even after busting his ass ragged out on stage for an hour and a half.Check your biases at the door the next time you think about cutting someone for not being a band wagon, cookie-cutter, MTV ass kissing artist.

Name: becca
Subject: can any1 help me?
-- Feb 8, 2001 at 3:42PM
ok i need to find the hardcore heart of gold lyric is any1 knows where i can get em from can ya pleaz reply

Name: fenwayvin
Subject: mike ness -vegas
-- Jan 31, 2001 at 2:04AM
just saw social d at hard rock in vegas & it was awesome as usual.one of the last true rock bands.wake up & listen because mike ness still delivers.

Name: Punker
Subject: review
-- Jan 23, 2001 at 6:47AM
Since when has punk rock been about telling people they are wrong and that their personal fucking beliefs are fucked up?? if anything all you motherfuckers ragging on Hoffman are the fucking antipunkers...then we have fuckers like Marissa sayin shit like 'white power'??? I thought we threw the fuckin white supremecist nazi skinheads out of our community?? No fuckin wonder my beloved punk community is tearing at its seams...punk rock is about accepting people's opinions and allowing people to live by any fucking ideology they want, not cuss them out and tell them they are wrong? if it was about that, then corporate america and the CIA are the most fuckin punk groups ever....
Hoffman's job is to review...now, when you review you dont necessairily have to love everyone...these are his opinions...if you have opinions that are different, fine, and you can say your opinions, but dont be assholes and cuss him out and tell him he doesnt know what hes talkin about!

Name: helen
Subject: Mike Ness!!!!!
-- Jan 17, 2001 at 1:20PM
Mike Ness is amazing! Long may he rule to rock!
To anyone reading this check out any Social Distortion album you can find, steal or borrow! You will not be disappointed!

Name: marissa
Subject: Review: Mike Ness' 'Cheating At Solitaire'
-- Jan 15, 2001 at 3:50AM
P.S. OC rocks, I'm from there to!!

Name: Marissa
Subject: Mike!!
-- Jan 15, 2001 at 3:49AM
everyone!! we all love mike ness, don't fight over who likes him or knows more about him, it's making you all look dumb! most of us are greased out, don't rag on eachother. white power man!!

Name: jay
Subject: mike ness
-- Jan 13, 2001 at 10:34AM
hoffman,your an idit have you ever seen them
live,in a club mikes one of the best performers out there have you ever heard any of there old stuff or is the freshman record (on cbs )the only thing you have heard why don't you pick up mommys little monster give it a listen /your a fool if there was no social distortion you wouldn't have green day or any of those other bands you listen to so think before you talk down about the best band o.c.has turnd out i bet you think the back steet boys are the shit don't you witch go's to prove you realy don't no shit do you!!!!!!

Name: paul
Subject: OC
-- Jan 1, 2001 at 11:40PM
well im from orange county actually mike ness doesnt live farther than a half a mile from me i shook his hand and got his autograph the guy is awesome very anti social but a really nice man, mike deserves the fucking respect hes been up and down....

Name: ilikemike/sociald
Subject: idontlikehoffman!
-- Nov 26, 2000 at 2:39PM
you are such a JACK-ASS! nobody agrees with you so SHUT(the fuck)UP! grrrr.

also: mike ness/sociald dont like you either.

Name: St. Ven
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 25, 2000 at 9:12PM
Hoffman, you are a FUCKING IDIOT. If you had any brains, you outta be beat with a fuckin drumstick to know how i feel after i read this article.Fuck Off. I love ya Social D.

Name: Jeff Reynolds
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 24, 2000 at 12:38AM
This guy is a fuckin peice of shit. When he puts Mike down he puts me, and all the other sickboys in O.C. down. Fuck him. Hoffman will never understand what ROCKaBILLY is about. I can't wait for Social D's new stuff. Mike Ness will never be forgotten!

Name: MADVETTE82
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Nov 23, 2000 at 12:45AM
DON'T LISTEN TO HOFFMAN. HE OBVIOUSLY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL HE IS TALKING ABOUT. SOCIAL DISTORTION WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. SO HOFFMAN, GO FIND YOURSELF A FUCKING HOLE AND CRAWL IN IT,YOU PIECE OF SHIT!

Name: Mark
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 17, 2000 at 11:44PM
First off you're and idiot you know nothing about Mike Ness Or Social D...god people like you a fucking dumb all you can do is sit back in you cushie jobs...Mike Ness has seen more in one day then you will see in your entire life...SxDx will never be forgotten nor Will Mike Ness or Dennis Danell you are a god damned fool

Name: suburban trash
Subject: Mike ness
-- Nov 7, 2000 at 3:16AM
Social d is only forgotten by trendy fucks like yourself.
Unlike all the shit thats out today, Mike sings with HEART. you should find another profession, cause as a reviewer you eat shit.

Name: Distorted2
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 4, 2000 at 7:45AM
Hoffman, KILL YOURSELF!
Mike Ness Rules!!!

Name: sickgurl
Subject: suck this
-- Oct 15, 2000 at 2:03AM
ah, shut the fuck up cuz u dont know shit about mike ness, social d, or any of their fans. so u can take this shit and shove it up ur ass..PS social d is never forgotten u fuck

Name: fuck you
Subject: mike ness
-- Oct 12, 2000 at 11:56AM
I would like to see you say that shit to mike's face. First you would not have the balls and second he would kick in your fucking teeth.Bitch!

Name: Dan
Subject: fuck hoffmann
-- Oct 11, 2000 at 6:38PM
Goddamnit. This hooffmin guy is giving Social D a bad name. Why the fuck would you reveiw a band your going to put down? You know what hoffmann? FUCK YOU!! Also,Mike Ness's tattoes are the shit. I find them quite powerful if youve ever been in love..His tattoes are not rediculous. Tattoes are something you get that mean something to you. you have no fucking right to talk shit about him like that.If your going to review him, take some fucking respect and say what needs to be said about their great band. Also, social D is not forgotten.I love their lyrics and songs and I will never forget them.Neither will all their fans.So next time you reveiw a band, talk nice

Name: Hannes
Subject: Dumb-ass Hoffmann
-- Sep 29, 2000 at 1:01AM
Since when did Sxdx become a band of the moment? What's all this radio playing shit? You make it sound as if SxDx were the fucking Monkees or something. Their a 20 year band whose sound has evolved a 180 degrees. Do you know what your writing about?

Name: KEVIN
Subject: MIKE NESS/SOCIAL D.
-- Aug 28, 2000 at 7:10PM
MIKE NESS RULES !!!

Name: XxSickBoyxX
Subject: Idiot Hoffmann
-- Jul 20, 2000 at 7:41PM
Mike Ness's words and lyrics & social distortions music has been influencing me for a long time now. Obviously you dont know shit about punk rock or country or rockabilly Hoffmann. Punk is not how fast the music is. Social distortion has been pure punk since their first fucking show man. If Mike Ness wants to sing the type of music he grew up with then let him. It sounds really good and the lyrics are awsome. Social D is not forgotten and never will be. Neither will Dennis Danelle. Get your shit straight Hoffmann before you say anything. Laters

Name: SocialDLover
Subject: O.C. Social D
-- Jul 7, 2000 at 6:26PM
I am from Orange County and anyone who doesn't love Social Distortion can go ahead and suck blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Name: dave jones
Subject: what
-- Jul 7, 2000 at 2:47PM
It's obvious you don't know anything about Social Distortion or Mike Ness. It shows. They were never forgotten and they never will be.

Name: Alexander Lim
Subject: fuck you
-- Jun 3, 2000 at 4:27AM
you're an idiot hoffmann.
on behalf of all SxDx fans, fuck you.
haha.

Name: Mike Burke
Subject: Mike Ness article
-- May 23, 2000 at 4:28PM
Give mne a break , THis "too cool" thing is exactly what you must be striving for, you tend to over emphasize it. Do you know anyhting about Mike Ness or Sociual Distortion besides what your friends told you or "the radio" told you for that matter?
Get off the high horse and walk for a while, maybe you'll learn something

Name: Joey Rippel
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Apr 26, 2000 at 8:13PM
I LOVE MIKE NESS AND SOCIAL D!

Name: Adam"The Cock" O.C.
Subject: Mike ness
-- Apr 26, 2000 at 8:08PM
I'm 14-teen years old and have been listening to social D for 1/2 years. You guys are the shit. I've been trying to go to your concert at the Irvine meadows but I'm on the lawn and probably can't hear anything. So can you perform at the Warped tour? I wanna hear "Another state of mind" and "Don't drag me down" MOTHER FUCKEERRRRRRRRRRR!

Name: marco
Subject: mike "the king"ness
-- Apr 24, 2000 at 9:34PM
I REMEMBER THE S.D. SHOWS I SAW.FIRST IN LONDON SECOND IN MILAN.
I CAN'T FORGET ONE BOY SINGING WITH HEART IN HIS HAND. THEY PUT THE CLUBS ON FIRE. THANKS MIKE.I MISS YOU DENNIS.......

Name: JESSE VARGAS O.C.
Subject: MIKENESS
-- Apr 8, 2000 at 1:58AM
I WISH YOU WERE AT HOOTENANNY SO I COULD OF ROLLED YOU UP FOR TALKING THAT SHIT ABOUT SOCIAL D OR MIKE NESS IM FROM O.C. AND I GREW UP LISTENING TO SOCIAL D THEY CREATED AN OUT LOOK ON LIFE YOU'LL NEVER SEE YOU LITTLE SISSY ASS PENCIL PUSHER...O.C. DRIFTER

Name: Brian
Subject: mike ness
-- Apr 5, 2000 at 2:55AM
I just want to say that what does Mike Ness think about James Dean??
WORLD OF MIKE NESS &
SOCIAL DISTOTRION!!
Where all SICK BOYS!!!!

Name: mike
Subject: Review: Mike Ness' 'Cheating At Solitaire'
-- Mar 13, 2000 at 7:27PM
obviously the writer isnt a sd fan,if he was ,he would realize mike ness will never be forgotten or unheard,no matter how old he gets

Name: Anna
Subject: Fall 99 Tour
-- Mar 3, 2000 at 10:51PM
I saw Mike play in NYC. It was incredible! The opening band from Texas was The Road Kings. (Very good cd.)
This writer is full of it.

Name: Dave
Subject: RE: Fall 99 Tour Opening Band
-- Feb 29, 2000 at 1:39AM
I know Reverend Horton Heat opened for Mike a few times - maybe that is the band you are looking for?

Name: Laura
Subject: Fall 99 tour opening band
-- Feb 26, 2000 at 1:38PM
I went to Ness's concert in Philly and loved, but I've been trying to find out who the opening band from texas was. Anyone?
I also wanted to say this is an really good review. I know little about Mike, but was able to keep up.

Name: Keith
Subject: MIKE
-- Feb 20, 2000 at 2:51AM
MIKE NESS/SOCIAL DISTORTION IS THE FUCKING BEST HE GETS ALL OF US GREASERS DOWN IN ORANGE COUNTY TO LOOK UP TO HIM HES MY IDLE AND I BET ALOT OF OTHER GREASERS AND HOFFMAN HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT HE SHOULD SHUT HIS MOUTH, MIKE PLAYED GREAT AT HOOT-N-NANNY BY THE WAY.

Name: sg,barcelona
Subject: mike ness review
-- Jan 14, 2000 at 11:17AM
mr. hoffman,
have you got nine more of those fingers?
i really hope your writing still makes sense to someone ten years or more from now. like other people's music does. come on, here in europe social d never got played on no fuckin' radio and still there's the same admiration. by the way,tattoos mean a lot to many, so "ridiculous" is hardly the right word if you personally don't like 'em. like your proper site says, jordan: be cool like us! then write...

Name: chuch
Subject: ness article
-- Jan 13, 2000 at 3:55PM
you may have forgoten social distortion but no one else has cheating at solitaire is an outstanding album and social ds white light white heat white trash is one of the greatest cds of all time never attempt to speak for every one you forgot social d we did not never will

Name: SN
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Jan 10, 2000 at 10:53PM
Mr Scully,
Mike was born in Massachusetts, not Fullerton, CA.

Name: al
Subject: comments
-- Dec 28, 1999 at 11:57AM
Social D has always rocked, I have no idea what this guy is talking about in the beginning of his article. Mike Ness continues to rock. The concerts are truly unreal so good from the first I saw back in 88, till ness's concert a couple of months ago. They are the real deal, which is more than most can say these days.
This writer above is a dork.

Name: J.J.
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Nov 25, 1999 at 1:33AM
I own a bar in the worst part of Berlin, Germany.
Social D. played a small fucked up club in Berlin-Kreuzberg a few years ago. Since then my little bar, called 'Rat' is the place in Berlin, where you hear at least one Mike Ness album each night. Come on by, if you're in Berlin.

Name: JONNY
Subject: GREASE
-- Nov 24, 1999 at 1:10AM
I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF GREASE MIKE NESS USES IN HIS HAIR?IF YOU KNOW, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.THANKS,JONNY, FUTURE999@WEBTV.NET

Name: MR.SKULLY
Subject: MIKE NESS
-- Oct 18, 1999 at 7:52PM
oct.18,1999 at 1:30pm

to all the fans of {social
distortion & mike ness}
fans.

my name is roger cheng
a.k.a.:"mister skully".i'm
from the birth place of
"mike ness of social-d.".
thats fullerton,california.

my very first social-d
concert was back in 1983
when "mommy's little mon-
ster"just coming out on
the fold-out record.then
came 1985 when "social-d
self title album"came out
and doing that year i
started to rodie for them.
and until now i'm still
doing it. so if you any
kool kitties & kool kats
out there need any more
scoop on the KING of ROCK-
A-BILLY.don't hessited to
e-mail me at: cure13_bob@
hotmail.com.and i will e-
mail you back too. well
thats it kool kitties and
kats.i'm signin' off now.
so later.

Name: John
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Oct 7, 1999 at 2:20PM
I disagree with Hoffman...I think that WLWHWT was a great record. Cheating at Solitaire is a great record and I can't wait for Under the Influences. It will be really interesting to see what the next Social D record sounds like. I think the solo stuff will add another dimension to Mike's work with Social D

Name: DANIEL
Subject: KING
-- Sep 5, 1999 at 9:07PM
SAW MIKE NESS IN AUSTIN, LOVED IT. TOOK A PIC WITH THE PUNKABILLY KING.
LOVED IT. NICEST GUY EVER CREATED. UNDER THE INFLUENCES SHOULD BE A GOOD ALBUM LIKE CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE. MIKE'S A HERO TO GREASERS, AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD APPRECIATE IT.

Name: Jordan Hoffman Responds
Subject: Re: mike ness
-- Aug 7, 1999 at 2:46AM
Erik--I liked this album, yamhead! Can you deny that, before this recent album, Mr. Ness & Social D. kinda let their star wane a bit? It's not a knock on their talents. . .just an observation.

Again, I like the album, so I don't know what we're arguing about.

Name: erik
Subject: mike ness
-- Aug 6, 1999 at 11:18PM
mike ness will always be the "king" of retro down here in orange county. unlike what the article by jodan says, everyone still remembers social distortion and mr. ness. they are a band that will never be forgotten, unlike you jordan hoffman.............

Name: Nicole
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Aug 5, 1999 at 2:36AM
--Aug 4,1999 8:00pm -- I went to Mike's show last night in Tempe,Az. Wowie does he rock!!! I've been a Social D fan for many years and he sure can do it solo too! His voice and appearance are simply delicious!!! The eclectic mix of styles was so magnetic I couldn't stand still !!!!

Name: Goooner
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Aug 2, 1999 at 6:55AM
Last night I saw Mike Ness and his solo crew in Santa Cruz. They were great. The $17 ticket was kinda steep but it was worth it. Especially when he sang bad luck by himself and when the band came out for an encore performance. Ball Chain country style was the best. I recommend it. Roots music done punk at its best.

Name: Shannon
Subject: Mike Ness
-- Jul 1, 1999 at 2:57AM
I have been listening to Social Distortion since the start.
Mike Ness has coolest voice ever. He makes me melts.
He has something in his voice that just shows how he feels.
Cheating at Solitaire is a great album. I can listen to it
over and over. Keep up the great singing.


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