SOCIAL DISTORTION (USA) – White Light, White Heat, White Trash (used CD copy) (1996) Released by 550 Music & Epic Records in a standard jewel case w/clear tray. (Canadian Pressing)
In the band's studio album discography, this is Number 5. It was their highest-charting record at the time, reaching #27 on the Billboard 200. It also marks the final appearance of founding guitarist Dennis Danell, who passed away in 2000.
This album is widely regarded as SOCIAL DISTORTION's most aggressive and stripped-down effort. After years of perfecting a "Cowpunk" blend of Rockabilly and Country, Mike Ness steered the band back toward their raw Hardcore Punk roots. The result is a heavy, emotionally weighty record that remains a high-water mark for 90's Punk Rock.
Produced by Michael Beinhorn (who worked with Soundgarden and Soul Asylum), the album has a thick, wall-of-sound guitar tone and a punchy low-end that hits much harder than their earlier work.
The songwriting is deeply personal, dealing with themes of regret, the struggle of recovery, and the ghosts of Mike Ness's past.
While the Rockabilly influence is still there in the spirit, it is buried under layers of distortion and relentless mid-tempo grooves.
550 Music – BK 64380, Epic – BK 64380