Whether you are yearning for more California sun between episodes of “The O.C.” or simply need a break from the monotony of Denver snow, you need to buy Social Distortion’s Sex, Love And Rock N’ Roll and The Shore’s self titled debut album The Shore. These two bands from southern California could not be more different and deliver the best and worst of Los Angeles.
Social Distortion has been playing around southern California since the beginning of the 1970s and through the years the band has developed a unique punk sound that is catchy and easy to relate to. Sex, Love And Rock N’ Roll could be Social Distortion’s last album due to the untimely death of lead guitarist Dennis Dannell, but is lead singer’s Mike Ness’ finest effort in not only singing but song writing. The album deals with the darker side of Los Angeles. Ness hits a new level of emotional turmoil in his lyrical abilities, dealing with growing up, looking back, and themes of love and loss. “Reach for the Sky” and “Don’t Take Me for Granted” are two of my favorites on the record, as they transcend typical punk lyrics, and of course “Highway 101” brings back personal memories of driving down Highway 101 in California.
While Social Distortion has been shaping the way punk and rock are sung for almost 30 years, The Shore has literally just put on its guitar straps, assembling this first record in 2002.
This band not only has the look of Los Angeles, with typical shaggy haircuts and a stylish wardrobe, but also the sound of the laid back lifestyle that the West Coast loves. Whereas Social Distortion emphasizes the nitty-gritty of Los Angeles, The Shore maintains a whimsical tone throughout the record. “Hard Road” and “Firefly” are highlights, as is “Waiting for the Sun,” a classic SoCal song about “holding on, waiting for the sun…waiting for the light”.
All in all, The Shore’s debut album is a worthy attempt to break into an alternative rock genre full of bands with nothing to say. The band successfully distinguishes itself from such bands with hopeful, young and distinctly southern California sunshine lyrics. So, if on some cold, snowy day, you are looking for a taste of California, Social Distortion and The Shore are the way to go. In these two compact disks you get an old school, talented band with a fresh spin on a successful recipe, as well as a brand new fanciful band made up of young guys attempting something new in the rock world.
