Album Review: Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes by Social Distortion

These guys have been putting out albums since 1983 and have been around since the late 70's.  Like many groups from that time they started as a punk band and then grew their sound over time. 

It's an odd album.  How many records do you know that open with an instrumental track.  Think about it, you tend to start an album off with if not the best one of your best songs, and these guys chose to go with an instrumental track.  It is in fact one of the best tracks on the album, but still it's a bit odd.

To me this album goes from good moments to almost cheesy moments.  I do like their punk influenced cover of the Hank Williams tune "Alone and Forsaken," but there are other moments that don't feel so genuine.

If you are in the mood for a rock album then give this a listen while you drive to the Sonic for a chili cheese dog.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 2 out of 5 stars for Not Bad.