Mike Ness - Cheating at Solitaire - Music & Performance - CD

After 18 years as singer, guitarist and songwriter for Social Distortion, Mike Ness reveals another side of his musical personality. Incorporating the raw power and social relevance that has always marked his music, these 14 tracks embrace punk, rockabilly, country and blues, yet never stray from his signature dark intensity. Brian Setzer and Bruce Springsteen each contribute cuts and the album features appearances by members of Royal Crown Revue. 1st single/video: "Don't Think Twice."

In one sense, it seems a little strange that Mike Ness would choose to record a solo album since he always appeared to be the driving force behind Social Distortion. On the other hand, Social Distortion is a full-fledged rock band, which means they're a democracy -- and that might have gotten a little constricting after nearly 20 years in the same outfit. Hence, Ness decided to take a solo detour in 1999 with Cheating at Solitaire. The title slyly hints at the fact that he didn't do this alone, and there are a stunning array of guests on the album, including contributions from Brian Setzer, Bruce Springsteen, and members of the Royal Crown Revue. Even if the record is loaded with cameos, it remains very much the work of Mike Ness, emphasizing his love of American roots music. Sure, there's hard, punky rock & roll on the record, but things get really interesting when he goes for straight country, blues, rockabilly, and folk. He's dabbled with these genres before, but he's never quite been as straightforward as this, nor has he been as successful. Occasionally, it may sound like he's tackling too much at once, but that's refreshing in a time when most rockers are playing it safe. And that is certainly one thing Cheating at Solitaire never does. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

Performer	Mike Ness
Music genre	Rock
Music subgenre	Rock
Music release type	Album
Media format	CD
Original release date	1999-01-01
Edition	Standard Edition
Language	English
Is collectible	Y
Number of tracks	14
Has parental advisory label	N
Number of discs	1
Series title	Mike Ness - Cheating at Solitaire COMPACT DISCS
Track listing	The Devil in Miss Jones, Don't Think Twice, Misery Loves Company, Crime Don't Pay, Rest of Our Lives, You Win Again, Cheating at Solitaire, No Man's Friend, Charmed Life, Dope Fiend Blues, Ballad of a Lonely Man, I'm in Love W/ My Car, If You Leave Before Me, Long Black Veil, Send Her Back
Record label	Time Bomb
Target audience	Adult
Composer	Mike Ness
Songwriter	Mike Ness
Music producer	Mike Ness
Number in series	1
Occasion	All Occasion
Track name	Don't Think Twice
Duration	59.17 min
Digital audio file format	MP3
Music media format	CD
Is edited	N
Is enhanced	N