World Go Round

15 years ago today, my life became a whole lot better. On Aug 3, 1996, I saw the band No Doubt for the first time ever. It was at EndFest '96 (is that still going on??). On July 19, 2009, my life was basically completed when I had the chance to meet them at my 13th concert in 13 years (5 states and 2 countries)!

It's hard to describe my love of ND to people who don't have a favorite band, or a band that has influenced them in such a way (although it’s so great to meet people who can relate). I fell in love with them when I was 10 years old in 5th grade. I actually remember the first time I heard "Just a Girl". Now, my dad can’t remember a lot about last week, but he always reminds me that when we heard “Just a Girl” on the radio for the first time, he turned it up and I was indifferent. This is not to say that I didn’t like it, I remember thinking I did, but I have to admit I didn’t go crazy the first time I heard it. However, I finally got the “Tragic Kingdom” CD and have never been the same.  There have been few bigger influences in my life than this band, and yes there have been bigger influences. I'm not saying they are some great band (although I do love their music), but my love comes more from what they have meant to me over the years.

Now, I know that some of you may think that this band is just some dumb pop group, but I see otherwise. Their lyrics are truly from the heart. That is probably my favorite thing about them- I can totally relate to what they sing about, it's like therapy. Their music is fun and charged. They are great live- so full of energy. The video “Live From the Tragic Kingdom” and "Rock Steady Live" really capture their live sets, I recommend checking them out. Their style has changed since they started it, but that's another thing about them- they mix so much together.  I like to think that it's them evolving as a band. In the end, I don’t think that you have to like their music, just please don’t think they are just another pop group. Also, while I like Gwen Stefani, I’m a No Doubt fan first and foremost.

Meeting No Doubt was definitely one of the biggest moments in my life. It’s just crazy to think that something I wanted soooo badly, but thought was sooooo out of reach, actually happened. It was just great to be able to say my two cents about what they mean to me and to tell it to them personally- ah, I still can’t believe it happened.....

Wanna realize something crazy? They haven’t released a new album in almost 10 years! I get nervous, but excited, every time I hear new music from them.

Now, for the LIST... my top 15 favorite No Doubt songs. This was hard, like really hard. They aren't in an order, except for "Just a Girl" is #1.

1. Just a Girl- Tragic Kingdom
2. Total Hate '95- Beacon Street Collection
3. Let's Get Back- No Doubt
4. Staring Problem- Return of Saturn
5. Rock Steady- Rock Steday
6. Bathwater- Return of Saturn
7. Panic- Everything in Time  (not on YouTube, but such a good song!)
8. Don't Speak- Tragic Kingdom
9. Don't Let me down- Rock Steady
10. Simple Kind of Life- Return of Saturn
11. Leftovers- Everything in Time
12. You Can Do It- Tragic Kingdom
13. Running- Rock Steady
14. Sometimes- No Doubt
15. Open the Gate- Beacon Street Collection

Honorable mentions: Move On, It's My Life, In My Head, Artificial Sweetner... ok, I'll stop.

My top favorite ND shows were
1.  July 19, 2009: with Brenna, Lisa, and my mom... meeting them!!
2.  November 9, 2002: Portland on my ND weekend senior year of high school- so fun!
3.  August 3, 1996: Kitsap Fairgrounds, first time!
4. May 24, 1997: first show at the Gorge!

Lastly, I do want to show my objectivity: While “Just a Girl” is my favorite song of all time, I think their song “World Go Round” is one of the worst songs of all time.

P.S. Most of this post was taken from an "entertaining" speech I did my senior year of high school for a class!  Not much has changed, I'm a pretty loyal person.