Mike Ness: Cheating at Solitaire

Mike Ness: Cheating at Solitaire
Label: Time Bomb
Release Date:1999
Review Date: 2000

If some of the covers on Girls, Cars and Loud Guitars show some of Mike Ness’s roots, then this, his first solo record, shows all of them. Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, Woodie Guthrie and Creedence Clearwater Revival marked Ness’ early years. 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. As early as 1981, Social Distortion did their infamous version of the Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb” and over the years paid homage to many of Mike’s early influences like Johnny Cash, Elmore James, Hank Williams and many more, threading roots rock and roll through his songs. Today, Cheating at Solitaire is the full spectrum of all his influences. It is a 15-track effort, 11 of which are originals, the other 4 being covers. It is an American roots record: a lot of country, some rockabilly and some blues, all sung with Mike’s characteristic growl, and all performed with punk-like energy. It is an excellent album, and is probably more focused and more cohesive than every Social D record since Mommy’s Little Monster. Most of the songs are based on topics close to Ness’s heart: jilted lovers, dope fiends, gangsters and cars, and like a lot of his songs, they seem autobiographical. The covers are skillfully woven in: so much so that if you were not familiar with the songs, you wouldn’t know which ones are covers. A number of other musicians make starring appearances, notably Brian Setzer adding his guitar to “Crime Don’t Pay,” and Springsteen adding his vocals to “Misery Loves Company.” Why Springsteen is on here is a mystery. He adds nothing to the song at all. They trade vocals, but Ness’s voice is stronger, so it’s a waste of time. It’s probably the weakest song on the record. No matter though. If you’ve got an open mind and like old country, not the new top 40 crap, you’ll love this. Actually, there’s more than that: if you like working class American roots music, you’ll love this.

Track List: 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.