SOCIAL DISTORTION >> SEX, LOVE, AND ROCK N' ROLL. TIME BOMB 2004   There are some bands that when you hear them, you immediately know exactly how good they are. In a world of formulaic, corporate cheese rock, it's tough to be daring and original. But you definitely know a Social Distortion song when you hear it. Good Charlotte may have copped Mike Ness's circa 1983 look and brought it to Hot Topic, but those poseur bastards can't touch his sound.   In case you didn't know, besides fish tacos and the Reef ads, Social D. is the best thing Southern California has to offer the world. Sex, Love, And Rock n' Roll is the band's first offering since the passing of founding member and guitarist Dennis Dannell. My man Dennis must be smiling down on his boys after a day of surfing overhead waves in Heaven, regaling in the fact that nothing can stop Social D. Sex, Love, And Rock n' Roll also marks the final appearance of longtime bassist John Maurer, who's left the band after 20 years to become a full-time dad. The lead track, "Reach For The Sky," is undeniable. Ness' blistering opening salvo of guitar work is pure craftsmanship. No overdubs or computer-generated falsities here. "Highway 101" is an old school Beach Boys-esque margarita of sound to all things Cali, with a punk rock twist. It's sweet yet salty, because too much sweet gets your ass on an episode of The O.C. Ness deals with his buddy Dannell's death on "Don't Take Me For Granted," but without being hypothetical and buying into projections. He sings from an honest heart, and wants you to enjoy every day because yesterday is history and tomorrow's a mystery. If you can't relate to "Footprints On The Ceiling," then you're either too young or haven't lived enough to know better.   "I Wasn't Born To Follow" is a leader's charge, for sure. You're either with it, or forced out of the way, getting hurt in the process. The theme of living life to the fullest is over. Sex, Love, And Rock n' Roll is like the tats on Ness's body. And "Winners And Losers," "Live Before You Die," and "Angel's Wings" will make you reevaluate your shit and how you deal with it. This is their most forthcoming and honest record in their 25-year career, and perhaps their best in a long line of great ones. Giving up is not in Social Distortion's cards, so keep dealing them. They can handle it. By Tim Donnelly

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