The Next Best Thing To Being There...
Social Distortion has always been known for its live show. This CD really is the next best thing to being there. Live albums usually are a very mixed bag; however, this one lives up to all of the expectations. The sound quality is amazing and the setlist is a nearly perfect selection of their live performances during that era (it should have included sick boy though). It is also notable because this is the last Social Distortion recording featuring Dennis Danell before his death.

The only thing that could have been done better on this album is that the tracks should have started at the beginning of the songs rather than beginning with Mike Ness's long speeches before each tune. Sometimes, it would be preferrable to just hear the songs without having to listen to or fast forward through Mike's views on the punk rock scene, the establishment, the "old days", or the government. Still, that really is the only complaint about this cd.

Great even for the casual Social D fan
I consider myself a casual fan of Social Distortion, and this disk is pretty good. The sound is good, and the energy is excellent. Even Mike Ness's cheesy commentaries between songs are worth listening to. I also bought this disk for musicians I know, because Social D, especially LIVE Social D, should be required listening for anyone performing music onstage.

Highlights, IMO, are Ball and Chain, Prison Bound, Ring of Fire, I Was Wrong. It's worth checking out whether you LOVE SD, are a casual fan, or never even heard their music before.

live
1 hour ago just saw Social Distortion Live in Atlanta. People yelled all the way through the concert. Whoops and yells spilling out on the street after the concert. "Live" is the best word for this band when you see them in concert. "Live" for both girls and guys. All seemed to linger after the concert. Total adrenalin. Why see the Rolling Stones live when you can see the real deal?

Some things are totally fresh after 20 years. How is that possible? 5 stars.

Transition album for Mike Ness
It's during Ball and Chain, more than Ring of Fire, where you can FEEL the Johnny Cash influence on Mike.
This a pretty important album to have and I spin this way more than any other SD's.
I always thought SD took awhile to find their identity, I wasn't a big fan of Mommy's Little Monster and prior (so I tend to skip some over some of those songs -I know that puts me in the minority) but once they did they didn't turn back (kinda like AFI).
Ball and Chain on this album will always rank as one of the greatest country/rock songs ever written and I know that's the direction Ness wants to continue in. I just hope he keeps uptempo guitar work because it's that constant balladry, well, and a few other things, that turns me off of most country. Check it out live - preferably with a bottle of JD. Really! You'll be feeling bittersweet once the crowd starts taken the 4th verse.

Best Band in the USA
You can forget about the debate over who the best band in America is. It begins and ends with these guys. Although not the same Social D of the 80's and 90's, in part due to aging, retirments (Johnny, we need you back on bass man!) and largely to the tragic loss of Dennis Danell, these guys simply put on the greatest show, every time. I just saw them live in Poughkeepise NY (for like the 30th time since 1992), and that show was as powerful and rocking as that first time I saw them at the Sting in New Britain, CT (and like a young dum-ass, offered Mike and Dennis a beer in the parking lot before the show).

Thank you Mr. Ness, for taking time from you family and touring. And for those of you who have never seen the band play, this album is as good as being there. "The kittens are out tonight!"