No Doubt - Beacon Street Collection

Well many No Doubt fans may not even be aware that this album exists due to its low-profile release. The album was released on No Doubt's own Beacon Street Records, and can be found new for about $5. In fact, the front of it even has a sticker that says don't pay more than $5. Anyway, fortunately the price is not the only good thing about this CD. The album consist of 10 songs records between 1993 and 1995, and combines classic No Doubt ska with the keyboard playing and backup vocals of former No Doubt keyboardist Eric Stefani. It is interesting how different the band's sound is with the keyboards incorporated. A lot of the songs have slower parts that allow Gwen to show of her voice, and her brother to accompany her with the keyboard. On the other hand, some of the tracks have a more raw, and at times reggae feel. This is most obvious on the song 'Total Hate 95' which features additional vocals by the late Bradley Noel. Another thing of note is that fans of "Return to Saturn" will probably not enjoy this album as much as those who are partial to "Tragic Kingdom". The sound is definitely more of a ska album than, the almost pop, "Return to Saturn". Don't get me wrong, I love RTS too, but it is a very different sound. The band even got a little help from 311 on the last 3 tracks which were mixed at the "311 House", with assistance from Nick Hexum and their sound guy Scott. All together, this is a very good album that captures the sound of No Doubt during their early years. Even though the style of their songs has changed today, even the new No Doubt fan should be able to appreciate this album and find a place for it in their collection. [www.nodoubt.com]