Social Distortion Unplug on New Album

Punk veterans Social Distortion aren't exactly known for soft numbers. But change is healthy, or so it's suggested. To that end, singer/guitarist Mike Ness reveals to Spinner that he and his band are planning an acoustic album for 2009. "I think it could be really, really neat," he says. "It's almost like a Bob Dylan/Bruce Springsteen/Johnny Cash kind of feel with a punk edge ... but acoustic."

The effort will feature new renditions of older songs and maybe a few new tunes. Ness came up with the idea after kicking off, for 10 weeks, his holiday-timed shows with a handful of Social D hits performed acoustically. "It just really set a cool vibe and it made us really realize how powerful these songs can be," he explains. "Sometimes they're more powerful stripped down than with full volume."

Fans shouldn't worry about this album serving as a time filler. Ness also plans to release another solo record, and a proper Social Distortion studio album. "I don't know what will be first," he says."It's hard to say. I'm kind of leaving the first part of next year open for writing and recording and whatever happens, happens."

Ness begins a solo tour May 2 at the Stagecoach Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, Calif. The run lasts for three weeks. He has scheduled three more weeks in July and December. "For me, that's a very light year," he says. "That's what I needed. I needed to spend more time with the family."