Outside of their time on Epic and Epitaph Records, Social Distortion released four albums independently. Those albums are being assembled in a brand new vinyl box set, The Independent Years: 1983-2004, out October 28.
The name of the album is a bit confusing at first. Social Distortion formed in 1978 and released their first album, Mommy’s Little Monster, in 1983 on 13th Floor. They followed with 1988’s Prison Bound on Restless Records before signing with Epic Records where they released two albums (Social Distortion (1990), White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996)).
While still with Epic, the independent Time Bomb Records released a collection of rare early singles and b-sides by the group, Mainliner (Wreckage From the Past) (1995). After they left Epic, they eventually returned to Time Bomb with the release of 2004’s Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll so, even though the album calls the whole period from 1983 to 2004 as the “Independent Years”, it is actually not all inclusive as the Epic albums are not included.
More information on the four albums in the set:
Mommy’s Little Monster (Red Translucent Vinyl)
The band’s 1983 debut album was recorded in a single session after Mike Ness’ participation in the 1982 punk documentary Another State of Mind. “The epitome of early-’80s suburban California punk and provided inspiration for many future Californians, including the Offspring and Rancid.” —All Music
Side 1
The Creeps
Another State of Mind
It Wasn’t A Pretty Picture
Telling Them
Side 2
Hour Of Darkness
Mommy’s Little Monster
Anti-Fashion
All The Answers
Moral Threat
Prison Bound (Clear Concrete Swirl Translucent Vinyl)
Social Distortion’s second album arrived in 1988, a full five years after their debut. Mike Ness’s Johnny Cash and Rolling Stones influences would figure in the band’s evolution from raw Orange County punk to the direction that would ultimately define their sound.
Side 1
It’s The Law
Indulgence
Like An Outlaw (For You)
Backstreet Girl
Prison Bound
Side 2
No Pain No Gain
On My Nerves
I Want What I Want
Lawless
Lost Child
Mainliner (Wreckage From The Past) (Clear Translucent Vinyl)
This collection of early singles and B-sides, recorded circa early ’80s and compiled for release in 1995, includes the fan favorites 1945, Moral Threat, and a cover of the Rolling Stones’ Under My Thumb.
Side 1
1945 (Posh Boy Version)
Playpen (Posh Boy Version)
Mainliner
Moral Threat
All The Answers
Side 2
Justice For All
Under My Thumb
1945 (13th Floor Version)
Playpen (13th Floor Version)
Mass Hysteria
Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Gold Translucent Vinyl)
Social Distortion’s sixth album was released in 2004, eight years after White Light, White Heat, White Trash. Marking a return to their independent label roots, the album is a musical eulogy to co-founder Dennis Danell, who died in 2000. The opening track, Reach for the Sky, would go on to become one of Social Distortion’s biggest hits.
Side 1
Reach For The Sky
Highway 101
Don’t Take Me For Granted
Footprints On My Ceiling
Nickels And Dimes
Side 2
I Wasn’t Born To Follow
Winner And Losers
Faithless
Live Before You Die
Angel’s Wings
