The Useless Critic 2.0

To give perspective about when the last No Doubt album was released, I was in middle school and eagerly awaiting to see them on TRL. I got "Rock Steady" and wasn't allowed near it until Christmas, because the album dropped in December. When I did get my grubby paws on it, I remember feeling like I didn't quite love it, but I enjoyed it enough. I mean "Waiting Room" may have featured Prince, and Prince is awesome in his own, but perhaps Prince and No Doubt shouldn't mix. Don't speak, I know what you're thinking. "RS" divided No Doubt fans because it featured such a dynamic change. You either loved it or hated it- the sudden transition to dancehall and more pop sounds, etc. But, at the end of the day, it was the band doing what they loved and even earned a place on Rolling Stone's "500 Best Albums of All Time." So the band was doing something right! Now things are different. I'm out of school and working, a...

Oh wow, here's another new No Doubt song emerging. Remember:   Push and Shove  comes out next month. You can't make that shit up!  it features- HEAVILY- Diplo-created Major Lazer- in the mix. And it's sort of...dubstep cum reggae. Whatever...I mean I like it a lot because every No Doubt song is like candy to me. This album sounds like it's going to be pure fun, and as amazing as 2012 has been in terms of music (because the world is ending and all, musicians must feel compelled) everything has been so heavy and kind of rueful. Thus!  No Doubt, WELCOME BACK.  p.s. why Ryan Seacrest, WHY

It's finally happening! Look! They're working with Diplo!

I'm beating you to the punch this time! :)  Does this seem like a cop-out because it's NOT?  I was on the train yesterday and I rocked the shit out to this song. it felt weird, but I was deliriously happy for twenty minutes, so why not take advantage of it!  "Just a Girl" was really No Doubt's big ticket to fame. It became an anthem. A staple, if you will. God, if you will! Poetry workshop flashbacks ensue!  This stands alone in the No Doubt canon, as it is not some big-hearted confession or sappy true-life moment. Which, you know. I think is commendable! It shows Gwen's ability to step out of frame when it comes to songwriting. It also features the awesome phrase "rule of thumb" which actually goes back to the olden days when it was perfectly acceptable to beat on your spouse. Sigh! Good old days! I always found that intriguing, by the by. So it's a little deeper than it looks. Would Susan B. Anthony approve? Who cares! It's n...