The song, “Machine Gun Blues” is a revelation in that it’s not showing what Social Distortion are doing, but what they are not. For years, they cultivated their street tough image, which was authentic sure, but it is main member Mike Ness seems to hold on like a crutch and writing about “junkies, pimps and whores”  – again – seems lazy and beneath what they have shown they’re capable of .

What I liked most about their previous release, Sex, Love and Rock n Roll, is that it looked like they were maturing, both musically and thematically, but this seems like a step back. Anyway, I know this is a bold statement given that this is only one song, but it is the one they chose to introduce people to the new record. But I’ll reserve further judgment until I hear the entire thing.

Check it out here:

Social Distortion – Machine Gun Blues by KROQ

• Helmet have a new record out.  I didn’t realize they were doing new stuff. I knew they were touring but figured they were riding the nostalgia wave. Anyway, the record is called Seeing Eye Dog. It’s a little dated sounding, but alright on first listen.
• Montreal’s late- great Asexuals have reformed and are playing a show as part of Pop Montreal. According to the guy at Sound Central, original vocalist John Kastner is involved, which is definitely good news. Take a listen to their first 7″ here.
• On a more personal note, it looks like the Social Distortion/Lucero/Frank Turner tour will be in New Orleans when I am there for a work trip in November. I’m really hoping I can get away to check this out.