Craft Recordings is proud to announce two vinyl reissues for Mike Ness‘ solo albums, Under The Influences and Cheating At Solitaire, both set for release on April 6th. Ness is most widely known as the frontman for Social Distortion – a band that would profoundly impact the American Punk Rock movement and go on to be one of the best-selling punk rock groups of all time. But long before he ever heard the Ramones, the Clash or the Sex Pistols, Ness grew up listening to early rock and roll.
His solo work represents the full spectrum of all these influences. Cheating At Solitaire and Under The Influences integrate punk, rockabilly, primitive rock and roll, country and blues while maintaining the energy that typifies Mike Ness.
Cheating At Solitaire, the first solo release from Ness, was originally released in 1999 and has been long out of print on vinyl until this reissue. This 2-LP album incorporates the raw power and social relevance that has always marked Mike Ness’ music, while embracing many of the defining styles in American rock and roll history. Among the guest contributors are Brian Setzer and Bruce Springsteen, and featured cover songs include Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and Hank Williams’ “You Win Again.” Bonus track “Company C” is exclusive to the vinyl configuration.
The album is available to pre-order now as a 2-LP vinyl set, and also on limited-edition blue vinyl (500 pieces), available exclusively via the Official Mike Ness Store (at the pre-order link below).
Cheating At Solitaire – Track Listing:
A1: The Devil In Miss Jones
A2: Don’t Think Twice
A3: Misery Loves Company (with Bruce Springsteen)
A4: Crimes Don’t Pay (with Brian Setzer)
B1: Rest Of Our Lives
B2: You Win Again
B3: Cheating At Solitaire
B4: No Man’s Friend
C1: Charmed Life
C2: Dope Fiend Blues (with Billy Zoom)
C3: Ballad Of A Lonely Man
C4: I’m In Love With My Car
D1: If You Leave Before Me
D2: Long Black Veil
D3: Send Her Back
D4: Company C
Pre-order on vinyl here
Listen here
Under The Influences is an influences-driven collection of country, rock and bluegrass covers of songs that inspired Mike Ness. He was especially inspired by the roots of American music, and his earliest influences were the pioneers of rock and roll – musicians that were scandalous and rebellious in their day. Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones, Woody Guthrie and Creedence Clearwater Revival marked Ness’ early years. The musicianship of the bands and the revolutionary spirit at their core appealed to Ness. This radical essence would become his calling-card, but he would never lose the love of his roots.
“I have a great affection for roots music. Old blues, country, folk, rockabilly and primitive rock and roll in general.” Says Ness, “Without these roots, I wouldn’t have perspective. I love the music and feel it is as relevant as ’70s glitter and early punk. As a solo artist, I am able to cross the boundaries and integrate it all. I tried to bring these influences together and keep it honest.”
Under The Influences, first released in 1999, features songs as diverse as the Sonny Curtis-penned “I Fought The Law” and the Carter Family’s “Wildwood Flower,” each with a unique Mike Ness spin. It also features a honky-tonk version of the Social Distortion classic, “Ball and Chain.”
The album is available to pre-order now as a standard vinyl, and also on limited-edition red vinyl (500 pieces), available exclusively via the Official Mike Ness Store (at the pre-order link below).
Under The Influences – Track Listing:
A1: All I Can Do Is Cry
A2: Gamblin’ Man
A3: Let The Jukebox Keep On Playing
A4: I Fought The Law
A5: Big Iron
A6: One More Time
A7: Six More Miles
B1: A Thief In The Night
B2: Once A Day
B3: Funnel Of Love
B4: House Of Gold
B5: Wildwood Flower
B6: Ball and Chain (Honky Tonk)
Pre-order on vinyl here
Listen here
