Gwen Stefani looking worse for wear after Zuma

Just a couple weeks after giving birth to her second baby Zuma, Gwen Stefani was spotted making a routine doctor’s visit at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Unfortunately, the second child birth has clearly made her look like crap frankly, as seen in this paparazzi photo. NOT.

Wow, radiant much!

Thank you Saturn2000!

No Doubt Lyrics Analysis #1: Snakes

It seems the closest No Doubt has ever got to politics are the vague references in the lyrics to Snakes.  Tony Kanal is listed as first writer, which probably means it was he most interested in sharing the gripe (Gwen Stefani is the second writer).

The song is most commonly believed to refer to a corporation. Are No Doubt referring to Interscope as an evil and unethical record company? It would makes sense giving the timing: No Doubt were irritated at Interscope for not providing studio time to record a follow-up to their self-titled debut. Consequently, Snakes was originally released under the independent Sea Creature label on The Beacon Street Collection album. It sounds like the band felt they were powerless when Interscope were being unreasonable:

Pawns in someone’s gameplay
Shoot shoot shoot obey

The idea of signing up to Interscope would have been alluring to the unsigned band:

Open the basket
Listen to the flute play

However, it was only after they committed that they realised they were locked into a world of cut-throat business lies and frustrations. Clearly snake charming is deceiving:

Subscription to the spreading of lies
Soldier catches a glimpse of his demise
Deep down inside even he knows
Snakes come in many shapes and sizes
snakes have no hands to be tied

I’m sure No Doubt continue to have gripes about Interscope (I know fans do too), but at least the band members have a bit more bargaining power these days!

Forked tongues spread the poison with another toxic sting
So much pain their serpentine inhibitions bring

Sounds pleasant, huh?

Special compilation album of No Doubt music to feature in Rock Band 2 video game

According to Entertainment Weekly, video game sequel Rock Band 2 will feature a “special” compilation album of No Doubt music.

Stocking the digital bins, EW.com has learned exclusively, will be seminal full albums by Foo Fighters (The Colour and the Shape), Red Hot Chili Peppers (Blood Sugar Sex Magik), Jane’s Addiction (Nothing’s Shocking), Megadeth (Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying) and Stevie Ray Vaughn (Texas Flood), along with a specially-compiled No Doubt Best Of collection.

By “special”, I presume it won’t be the same track-listing as The Singles 1992-2003. Perhaps songs like Hey Baby, Running and Trapped In A Box will get the cut, possibly in place of more rockier non-singles? We’ll find out soon!

The game is due to be released in the US on September 14 for a number of gaming consoles (available at Video Game All). For those that don’t know, Rock Band allows players to perform in virtual bands using microphone, guitar and drum peripherals.

So, who is going to organise the first No Doubt Rock Band 2 fan party at their place?

Gwen Stefani previously in a band, YouTube user educates

A YouTube video of No Doubt’s New Friend, accompanied by a frame grab from No Doubt’s Hey Baby music video, evoked some amusing comments. Makes you feel old, huh?

Thank you Saturn2000!

Gwen Stefani inspires mothers to name their own children Kingston, Zuma?

According to the SSA, when Gwen named her first baby boy Kingston James McGregor Rossdale in 2006, Kingston was no where to be found on the Top 1000 male names for previous years. However, by the end of 2006, the name ranked #942 most popular, then in 2007 it jumped all the way to #355. Is Gwen to thank for this?

So now can we expect Zuma to make its appearance on the Top 1000 male names for next year? Even though it is traditionally a female name? We’ll soon find out what effect Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale has on copycats.

No Doubt Ripoff #1: Bad Boy by Hadise

Is Hadise’s Bad Boy a copycat when it comes to using No Doubt’s Hella Good beat?

Gwen Stefani 2009 Calendar

Mega Calendars has started selling the Gwen Stefani 2009 wall calendar. Interesting, all the photos seem to be from The Sweet Escape tour.  The official 2008 calendar was different in for the Europe/Australia market compared to the US version. I preferred it as it is tall with no fold and wires at the top, whilst the US version is square when folded. Anyone know if a version for Europe/Australia will happen this year? You know what I wouldn’t mind too, a No Doubt 2009 wall calendar!