A great underground collection

This album shows the side of No Doubt that people usually don't see. Originally released as an independant compilation of songs that didn't make the final cut for "Tragic Kingdom", this is an underground gem. It kicks off with the fun "Open the Gate", a great ska song. Then, there's "Total Hate '95", an awesome blend of catchy songs and reggae/ska. "Snakes" is the kind of edge that isn't seen anywhere else of No Doubt. Then "Doghouse" ends this set, with great synthesizer/guitar/saxaphone parts, and an awesome song, plain and simple. The point of this review is that this is No Doubt's only good album because it's the only one not cluttered with pop. This independant release is raw ska/hard rock and worth any rock fan's money.

So maybe I'm a little biased...

Maybe my adoration of Beacon Street Collection is helped along by my all-out obsession with No Doubt, but this is probably their best album. Although if you don't like ska, this is probably not the CD to buy. (Hint, hint Rock Steady hint, hint...excuse me.)

Total Hate 95 is a collage of different sounds, and Squeal has a steady beat throughout. Snakes seems like a huge metaphor for liars and enemies, and the lyrics to Greener Pastures are interestingly thoughtful. By the Way is just really, really good...I had to mention it.

All in all, Beacon Street Collection is one of the few CDs I can listen to all the way through and not get annoyed or bored by duds. I highly recommend it.

Something to "squeal" about

The music on the cd is really great and all of the songs grow on you after you've started listening. This is Gwen's younger and more energetic voice, so it's a change from the other No Doubt songs, but all of these tunes are different and interesting in their own way. Some of the best songs on the cd are: Open The Gate, Greener Pastures, Total Hate 95', and Squeal. You'll really love this album.