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Amazon.co.uk Review
No Doubt: The Videos 1992-2003 is a neat showcase of the band's transformation (both musically and in image) spanning more than a decade. Behind-the-scenes footage of photo and video shoots and studio sessions recorded on hand-held DV cams by band members are interspersed between the 16 videos in this collection. Videos range from their first-ever shoot for 1992's quirky "Trapped in a Box", in which Gwen had yet to discover the power of platinum blonde, the storming "Hella Good" cowritten by the Neptunes, and their cover of the Talk Talk hit "It's My Life". Something to watch out for is an impromptu jam of "Ex-girlfriend" during a power cut in Jamaica. When it comes to reinvention and experimenting with style, forget Kylie--Gwen Stefani has certainly had fun carving out her own niche, while retaining her credibility; from the pink hair and street chic in her Return of Saturn phase to the platinum-blonde, rouge-lipped 1940s glamour that was her trademark on Tragic Kingdom. Although they may have taken some musical risks ("Oi to the World"?) their core rock, new wave pop and reggae-lite influences have weaved seamlessly through their work. 2001's Rock Steady is a fine example, heavily influenced by time spent in Jamaican dance halls and with contributions from a range of respected producers (Ric Ocasek, Nellee Hooper, Sly & Robbie and William Orbit). Not to mention No Doubt's successful cameos on Moby's "South Side" and Eve's "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".
What becomes apparent from watching "A Video Conversation with No Doubt"--one of the bonus features--is the band's sense of team spirit and un-showbiz attitudes, which is probably why they have lasted the course. But their success is not without glitches--there were early group factions when media interest focused on the impossibly photogenic Gwen and ignored fellow bandmates Tony Kanal (bass), Tom Dumont (guitar) and Adrian Young (drums).
On the DVD: Bonus features include "A Video Conversation with No Doubt" where the band members talk about the inspiration behind each video, the full collection of Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes, an alternate edit of "Bathwater" and alternate video edit of "Don't Speak".--Angela Boodoo
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