Social Distortion: White Light White Heat White Trash

It's been way too long since the release of Social Distortion's only other '90s release, the solid Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell. And in that eternity, the inimitable band has missed numerous opportunities to cash in on the newfound commercial potential of rough, weathered, white-trash rock and roll. But the new, appropriately titled White Light White Heat White Trash showcases a band that hasn't aged or softened during those lamentably low-exposure years: Thematically dark and weary as always, it still kicks up a tremendously high-energy racket, which is aided to no small degree by Mike Ness' often-imitated, never-duplicated vocal rasp. From the catchy "Dear Lover" on, there isn't a dud or a slow spot to be found on White Light, which could prove to be more than a comeback for a long-suffering, long-deserving band.