After their debut album flopped, No Doubt was in limbo with their record label, Interscope. They had written a bunch of new material but they weren't sure if they were going to be dropped by their label. To remedy the situation, they went into a home studio and recorded this album, which was originally released independently. The songs are still mostly in the ska-vein, but they show the band was tightening up their sound. Songs like "Open The Gate", "Greener Pastures", "Snakes" and "That's Just Me" are all top notch songs as is "Total Hate '95" which features the late Brad Nowell of Sublime on backing vocals. The one song that really sums up the band's greatness is "Stricken". It is a perfect combination of ska and pop and is absolutely amazing. This album was belatedly released after the success of Tragic Kingdom, so it seemed like a bit of step backwards, but put in context, it perfectly bridges the gap between their debut and Tragic Kingdom

This album has to be the best ever by No Doubt. I bought Tragic Kingdom after hearing "Just A Girl" once on the radio but never looked at their older work. After I bought Return of Saturn I was a little disappointed and looked to The Beacon Street Collection for more of their ska/rock music. This album is truly a masterpiece, every song is so incredible, especially "Open the Gate" and "Snakes." It just makes you love NxD and completely outshines any other ska music on my shelf. If you liked Tragic Kingdom or the songs "Bathwater" and "Staring Problem" on Return of Saturn, then you have to buy this cd.

This is a great cd. It's got the kind of music that would make ya sing along and get up and dance! It's a great cd, safe for all ages (nothing with a need for advisenment). It's a great gift idea and perfect for any No Doubt fan's collection. It's got a variety of music, from slow to fast. Also note, Bradley (of Sublime) makes an apperance and voacls for the song Total Hate '95. This album also has a wonderful amount of old pictures of the band incuding the pictures of the band as young children on the cd itself. Also be sure to hunt down the origional collection and the singles for Doghouse and Squeal on 7" vinyl. Be sure to also pick up No Doubt's self titled album, Tragic Kingdom, video, and other items such as compulations and singles. Do Well & Doubt Not!

What a pleasant surprise. In checking out No Doubt CD's I was not familiar with any of these songs before listening to this Beacon Street Collection. Upon the first two listens three songs: Open The Gate, Blue In The Face, and By The Way made incredible impressions. Open The Gate is just awesome with emotional singing from Gwen Stefani and super guitar riffs and strong drumming. Not to mention some funky keyboard effects. Blue In The Face and By The Way have captivating jazz oriented hooks. I just love the keyboard touches. Its a shame Eric Stefani is no longer with the band as he really added greatly to No Doubt's sound.

Anyway, many of the other songs are very ear friendly. Stricken has a very captivating horn arrangement in addition to another super Gwen Stefani vocal. Hate 95 is a nice combination of ska and rap. Squeal is a cutesy old time jazz standard. And Doghouse is quite cute. The other tunes have a nice rock n roll edge. Yes this recording is not short in the diversity area.

Yes, this is not the commercial No Doubt sound on Rock Steady. However it is still very ear friendly and bright making it a winner on all accounts.

If you likd Tragic Kingdom, then you'll love Beacon Street Collection. It is basically the Olympic motto. Higher, Faster, Stronger. And a lot of fun too.

Gwen's voice is in top form here. No Doubt recorded this album in a agarage on Beacon Street. And am I ever glad they released it. ALl the songs are great. But standout tracks are : Total Hate, Stricken (an adorable love song), Greener Pastures, Squeal, Doghouse. Eric Stefani plays the keys here. I think he was really the key to No Doubt's ska sound because after he left they went to New Wave. Not that they aren't good now (ROS is my second fave after this CD) but he gave them that fun, ska sound.

It's just a great CD to have. And i fyou like ska, check out their self-titled one.