Memories.....The Spice Girls

It is true that music can evoke memories, can take you back to a time gone by and make you feel the same way you did then.

Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.

I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.

When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.

Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.


I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.

I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.

If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.

I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.

I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.

Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.

I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.

Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.

So...

Viva the Spice Girls!!!!

Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!

If you were a child in the 90s you will love Poptastic

I am feeling nostalgic so be prepared for more 90s nostalgia posts.


The thing that has sparked this longing for the past is one of my Christmas presents from my mum, the 3 CD album... Poptastic!


I was born in 1986 and grew up in the 90s so this  CD has all the songs I can remember from my school disco days and I love it!

I remember when pop was cheesy and 'cool', when you used to cut out the lyrics to your favourite songs form Smash Hits magazine, and the only music channels were The Box and MTV.

You would learn all the dance moves to your fave songs and then perform them at the disco.
I remember when Victoria Beckham was known as Victoria Adams and Holly Valance was Flick in Neighbours.

This CD is three CDs of cheesy pop gold. Ok, so they aren't the coolest songs but you can sing along and dance to them. They just don't make pop songs like that anymore.

A lot of the bands on there I saw at Power in Portsmouth and Power in the Park held in Southampton, these were organised by Power FM (now Capital) and included all the best pop acts. I saw Billie, Honeyz, Steps, 5ive, A1 and Gary Barlow at these gigs. All of them (except Gary Barlow) are on the CD.

So to wet your appetite here are just some of the songs featured:
* Wannabe - Spice Girls - Classic!
* Never Ever - All Saints
* Pure and Simple - Hear'say
* Same old Brand new you -  A1
* Life is a Rollercoaster - Ronan Keating
* Bye, Bye, Bye - N*Sync,
* C'est la Vie - B*Witched
* Cleopatra's Theme - Cleopatra

I know all are not particularly cool but classic 90s pop songs. It makes you realise how rubbish pop has become.

So if you were a child in the 90s early 00s you will love, love, love this CD.