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!

Thank you for the music

Music can evoke memories, conjure up happy or sad feelings or transport you back to a time and place.

Sometimes you don't realise how important music is in your life, be it that song you sing at the top of your voice when you need an ego boost or the song you dance to when getting ready for a night out.

There are songs that remind you of first loves, exes, holidays or gigs.

I do love my music but I don't think I really realised how important it is and how it can have an impact on my mood. So in a short post I thought I would put down some songs that are important to me.

I suppose I should start with the song that made me want to write this post... Scott Mills played The Futureheads 'Hounds of Love' on his Wonder Years on Radio 1 the other day...this was a song I bought because the guy I was seeing liked it and it reminded me of him. Now it reminds me of him, when he broke my heart for the last time (after six or seven good gos) I decided I hated the stupid song, so I did what any rational person would do, I smashed it with a hammer, it was  CD by the way. It felt good though believe me.

Then there is Outkast 'Hey Ya', I love, love, love this song! It reminds me of my first (and only) girly holiday to Dublin, it came on in a club called Q I think, it was an amazing night out and an amazing holiday. Britney Spears 'Toxic' brings back the same memories.

Anything Spice Girls reminds me of my childhood days, especially 'Spice up Your Life' which I remember going to my friend's grans house before school to watch the premiere of the video, we were subsequently late for school, well worth it. Me and my friend even had a band which sung Spice Girl's covers, fantastic. Aaahh those were the days.

Then gigs...my first gig was Boyzone, I know! But now Kylie Minogue 'Love at First Sight' obviously reminds me of meeting the great lady and being on cloud 9 dancing to it. And of course 'Vlad the Impaler' reminds me of the fantastic Kasabian gig in Brighton.

I will admit that I don't go out as much as I used but there are songs now that when I hear them it reminds me of those days J-Kwon 'Tipsy' reminds me of a shots bar, which I was sick in but that's by the by. 'Golddigger' by Kayne I can remember dancing with my friend.

And then there are the songs that make my heart melt because they remind me of that special someone in my life... like Elbow 'One Day Like This' is just one.

Its like when I hear the instrumental version of 'Kissing You' from Romeo and Juliet I burst into tears, it reminds me of my friends wedding.

I know it's silly but music is one of those things and I felt compelled to write about my love of music.

So to all bands and singers Thank you for the music!