No Doubt - 'Rock Steady Live' (Interscope)
4/5
By: Samantha Hall
So just what's this one got that's so special? The quick, breathless response - live-footage of two shows in Long Beach, LA amidst the final date of the flamboyant foursome's 2002 'Rock Steady' Tour', plus backstage footage and individual band interviews, the latter comprising chatter upon just about everything - from allergies, to weddings, to, conveniently, tour endurance...
Content > > >
Yes, cash-in then, that the 'Rock Steady Live' DVD coincides with the release of 'The Singles 1992-2003': No Doubt's first retrospective album. And in spite of being hailed under the title of the band's last studio-LP, the quartet's live-set really represents 'The Singles' album far better than any other, a few extra 'Steady' numbers thrown in for good measure... and what numbers they are. Naturally, 'tis easy to forget that, though they've suffered death, departure and fraught internal and external relationships, No Doubt have kept faith with fun throughout their entire musical career, spanning - as Queen Gwen Stefani points out - over half the singer's own lifetime.
And reflections of their immense journey, in the form of projected photos, are blazed over the backdrop through various intervals of their latest digi-product. The platinum bleach, the Californian sun-soaked tees... the hugs and smiles representing the history of their development and progression on their take on rock-ska-pop. Admirably, the essence and focus is very much representative of the whole band, including the two shy ragga percussionists/backing vocalists, Stephen Bradley and Gabrial McNair; not just glam-puss Gwen, as one'd predict.
Elsewhere, the package is crammed with somewhat unique shots, not least the sight of Young writhing about in boxers and lipstick prior to doing 'the robot'. Oh yes; few treasures are spared. Not to mention the wind n' grind dancehall moments, or the No Doubt signature-stamp during the performances - a seemingly inexhaustible torrent of jumps and high kicks.
Best of the bundle, however - an oddly touching, acoustic version of 'Magic's In The Make-up' from their hugely underestimated 'Return of Saturn' album, where not only does Kanal try his hand at guitar but Stefani, especially, grants herself a rare opportunity to expose her vulnerabilities, and how beautifully it is done too.
Sound & Vision > > >
Live footage is resplendent in near-perfection herein. There's a wide range of dishy, fancy close-ups and pausing effects, and the sound - despite conveyed as rambunctiously live - is precision-balanced, distinct and clear. There's the odd squeak from the audience, of course, but because of the extensive production, we feel very much intimately engaged with Stefani and the boys. Presumably, it's all a good second to experiencing the real thing itself.
Artists in this article: No Doubt
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