Social Distortion “Mommy’s Little Monster” 1983. 13th Floor Records, gatefold original debut release (and I believe now out of print). We are going to see Social Distortion on Saturday in Milwaukee at the Rave (the last time I saw them was in 1991 on The Neil Young and Crazy Horse Ragged Glory/Weld Tour along with Sonic Youth) so I’m gearing up for the show by listening to old SD for the rest of the week.

Social Distortion helped set the tone for California punk in the early 80′s and their sound has remained constant for over 30 years: Michael Ness’ distinctive vocals over hard-hitting beats, power-chords and melodic hooks. The title track “Mommy’s Little Monster” has always been one of my favorite 80′s punk tracks, describing many of my friends at the time:

Mommy’s little monster dropped out of school
Mommy’s little monster broke all the rules
He loves to go out drinking with the boys
He loves to go out and make some noise

He doesn’t wanna be a doctor
Or a lawyer, get fat and rich
He’s twenty years old, he quit his job
Unemployment pays his rent

His brothers and sisters
Have tasted sweet success
His parents condemn him
Say “His life’s a mess”

He’s mommy’s little monster
He’s not afraid to admit
He’s mommy’s little monster
Don’t wake him in a fit

Mommy’s little monster shoots Methedrine
Mommy’s little monster had sex at fifteen
She left home for the streets
She couldn’t deal with all that heat

She had fun with the boys in the band
In her eyes it will never end
Her dad asked what happened to her face
It could have happened in any place

Her eyes are a deeper blue
She likes to have that color too
She cant even wear a dress
But that doesn’t mean she’ll ever confess