The long awaited recording return of Orange County punk Rock N' Roll band Social Distortion inches closer. The first new recording since 2004's Sex, Love & Rock N' Roll has emerged and can be heard below.

The new album, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, has been delayed until January of 2011, but the band have warmed fans with a small taste of what's to come with the release of the first single "Machine Gun Blues". The track will be made available on iTunes November 16th.

Australian fans should not forget their special Melbourne-only sideshow with The Gaslight Anthem happening March 2nd next year.

Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues

With the release of Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Social Distortion has further cemented themselves as one of the great rock bands of all time. Ness' constant strive for perfection is probably one of the main factors: It was tough being my own boss, but I have learned some lessons along the way and that's to always push myself... I can do it better, I can do it better... I'm a perfectionist, you know?