Also, FWIW, I find that the Boss Super Overdrive SD-1 is one of the best all around gain pedal at covering lots of bases. You can deal it up, down or in the middle & it almost always works for whatever style I'm trying to accomplish.

http://www.bossus.com/products/sd-1/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpvyfdOJMpk

Compare with the Boss Distortion pedal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLpHoZQ3u4k

Be careful. It's easy to watch gear demos all day long. :D