On January 18th, Brent Liles was riding his bicycle in Placentia, California and was struck and killed by a truck. Brent played bass for Social Distortion during their early years, and moved on to play with Agent Orange. While he was not a front man of any sort, he definitely had influence within the bands he played with, which is why I'm paying tribute to him this week. There are tons of great bands who are identified with a front man and the rest of the band doesn't always get the credit they deserve. So many times we forget that an album is really a collection and melding of everyone involved. Brent, may you rest in peace and may your passing help me and others to not take for granted the effort that is put into an album by all band members.

New

(2004) Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll - Social Distortion Yes, this album came out two years ago, and no, Brent Liles does not play on it. This album is a send off for Social D's former guitarist Dennis Danell, who died in 2000. I figured that with Brent's passing, this album could serve as a fitting send off to him as well. The album includes a perfectly-styled acoustic version of "Angel's Wings" which is a fitting song to commemorate both musicians' careers. I also think of this album as a send off to Social D's younger years. The album seems more mature in both its musical stylings and its lyrics. The songs include lot more melody and a little less punk. Sex, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll is a tribute to Social D's past and a glimpse into the future of this punk dynasty. Really, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll is a beautiful album, which may sound strange but it's fitting in that it's easy to put on and do some reflecting of your own.

Must Haves Track No. 02 - Highway 101 Track No. 05 - Nickels And Dimes

Tried

(1983) Mommy's Little Monster - Social Distortion This is Social D's first release and also features Brent on the bass. One listen to the album and you can immediately tell that the band is going somewhere. Mommy's Little Monster has the high energy and raw sound that you'd expect from a good punk album, but it also has the depth that you'd expect from a band of talented musicians. They also let their southern California roots show through by giving the album a little bit of surf rock sound to some of the songs. The album isn't a complete fast-paced burn through, though, as Social D isn't scared to slow things down a little bit (though the band never leaves you hanging on a slow or down note as there is always the raw energy seeping through). I used to give Mike Ness all the credit for the elements that Social D is so well known for. However, after paying more attention to Brent's bass work on Mommy's Little Monster I must give credit to the band as a whole for creating such a compelling body of work.

Must Haves Track No. 06 - Mommy's Little Monster Track No. 09 - Moral Threat

True

(1981) Living In Darkness - Agent Orange Agent Orange is another band calling southern California, and more specifically Orange County, home. It's also very easy to see why Brent eventually gravitated toward this band as they have a similar formula to Social D. They have a great punk attitude mixed in with a surf rock type of sound-hard to pull off, but Agent Orange makes it work. They throw in a couple of Dick Dale covers - songs that you'd have no idea weren't written by Agent Orange if you didn't already know. Throughout the whole album it's really easy to picture a mosh-pit on a beach comprised of surfers and punks. They also offer an interview with the band at the end of the album which is actually very interesting. Band members give some insights on where they're coming from and how they really came up with their unique sound. If you're a punk fan looking to get into surf rock, or a surfer looking to get into punk, Living In Darkness is the perfect album for you.

Must Haves Track No. 01 - Bloodstains (Original Version) Track No. 13 - America