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SOTW is still under reconstruction! We've got a great
Tell Me Section
to view and we added brand new Mel C Audio files from "I Turn To You" CD
1 & the "Never Be The Same Again" US Promo CD. For those, check out the
Multimedia
Section!
August 25, 2000-The Spice Girls Swear It's "Forever" This Time; Mel C & Movie Goer Mystery!
The Spice Girls revealed today on their site, The Spice Girls 'official' Website at c3, the title of their much anticipated album...FOREVER! The Spice Girls' third album has been in the works since early 1998 as the girls began performing on their Spiceworld Concert Tour. The album was being written and recorded with Geri before she left under the title "Sugar and Spice." However Geri left the band at the end of May that year and all tracks were deleted. Since then the Spice Girls have each done solo endeavors as well as dealing with their hectic lives. The Spice Girls did eventually re-group fourteen months ago and both as a team and individuals, they managed to write and record tracks for the album, which had been given tentative titles as "The Great Divide (from MTV)," "Four," and lastly, "Third Time Around." Rumors have ranged on track titles from "Bye!" to covers of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," KC & the Sunshine Band's "Celebrate," Annie Lennox &Aretha Franklin's "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves," Sister Sledge's "We Are Family," and Madonna's "Holiday." New CONFIRMED tracks on Forever are the songs that the Spice Girls unveiled from their "Christmas in Spiceworld Tour" such as "W.O.M.A.N," "Right Back Atcha," & part 1 of the new single, "Holler Holler," clips of "If You Wanna Have Some Fun" and "Oxygen" also made it onto the net courtesy of a news interview from KARE 11, and the last title is part 2 of the new single, "Let Love Lead the Way." SOTW would like to congratulate all the people who guessed the right title and won a brand new copy of the album signed!!! SOTW has posted the story that is on c3 right below.
NEW ALBUM NAMED!!
Over the past week thousands of entries have poured into this site the official home of the Spice Girls in a competition that was just too irresistible for most.
We asked "What is the title of the new Spice Album?"
a) Third Time Around
b) Spice 2000
c) Forever
....were the 3 choices. 45% of you opted for "Third Time Around", 25% for "Spice 2000" and 30% for "Forever".
So what is the name of the new Spice Girls album?
Forever
Congratulations to David Koppel, Rosanna Wong, Lucas Paoli Itaborahy, Laura Bainbridge, Daniel Murray, Carlos Rico, Stella Canelas, Gustavo Alves Pezzini, Anjana Sarkhel and Joshua Lim who all win a signed copy of the new album!
Well if that wasn't enough news for you, poor Melanie C can't go anywhere without having her picture snapped or harassed by tabloids! Melanie was attending the UK premiere of "Snatch," which was directed by Mel C's # 1 person she wants to work with, Madonna's boyfriend, Guy Ritchie. At least she enjoyed the movie saying,"Wow, what an experience! It was truly a great film and had me laughing all the way through!"
August 23, 2000-The Spice Girls "Holler Holler" Return to Music Scene; Victoria Takes a Spill-Lands at # 2; Mel Goes Scary For Emma; Robbie Comes Clean; Mel C On # 1; Mel B Opens Website, Heralding Release of "Hot!"
Well the vibe is being picked up! All the major news outlets from MTV US to Reuters to Yahoo to whatever you can think of is getting back to Spice. They are all promoting how the Spice Girls' new double A-side single, "Let Love Lead the Way"/"Holler Holler" is being released in the UK on the 23rd of October with the album coming out on November 6th in the UK and November 7th in the US! The Spice Girls are also hyping up the release by giving everyone a tease at the new album title (in the good way, of course). The Spice Girls have listed three working titles, two of which are just "silly:" "Forever," "Spice 2000," and "Third Time Around." If you manage to guess the right one, you'll be entered into a contest to win one of ten signed albums, which will be delivered to your house the day its released in November! Not bad! The contest is sponsored by the girls' site at c3 click here to enter and good luck!
Well Victoria put up a fantastic fight to the # 1 spot and has been keeping up the momentum during the entire week with a rigorous promotional tour. Despite negative tabloid coverage, Victoria & Dane were able to sell about 182,000 copies of the smash single, landing at # 2. Spiller featuring Sophie topped them selling an extra 20,000 copies to take the # 1 position on the last day. However while Spiller's "GrooveJet (If This Ain't Love)" single is currently (until the new Spices' single is released) the top selling single of the year so far, Victoria and Dane still racked up an incredible sales amount. Of course, there's been controversy boiling about a mysterious Posh-enthusiast that bought countless copies of the singles, but it looks as if both Victoria and Sophie (who had been portrayed to be catty during the enduring week) were both winners and both congratulated each other on a good job. Victoria thanked her fans for all the support and commented on c3, "I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who bought the single and supported me and Dane last week. Of course we were disappointed to not quite make the top spot, but No. 2 is still pretty fab, and we're happy with it! What's next? In the next few weeks I'll be travelling all over the place doing loads of European promotion, before getting back with the Girls for the big one. Watch this space! And well done Spiller...what a mad week it was!!!!"
Melanie B managed to land another catfight headline after she went on a blazing row following a taping on SMTV. Melanie defended what she thought was an attack on Emma by Baby Spice's co-presenter, Cat Deeley. "Sources" are claiming that Cat was struggling to understand instructions from her ear-piece from directors and was making faces to gesture she didn't comprehend them. Melanie, who sported straight, long hair for her "Tell Me" performance, misinterpreted them telling Cat, "Stop pulling faces at my mate. You're trying to make her look stupid. What the f*ck do you think you're doing to my mate? I know what you're doing, you're trying to make her look daft. You're trying to make her look stupid and it's pathetic." Emma reportedly ran off in tears following the row. This tabloid headline follows several tabloid attacking reports of Emma being labeled incompetent and agitated as she began her presenting job earlier in the month. Mixed reports have also said that Emma has been a source of tension from the show, which would explain Melanie's jumping into action. Although it might look as if Melanie is getting the negative end of the story, she at least stuck up for her "Girl Power" bandmate proving that friends stick together. Melanie also opened her very own website, www.Melanie-B.com, and she'll be "popping" in for a c3 Web Chat on September 25th to answer some questions, which you can ask by clicking here and you can even enter a contest by clicking here to meet her and watch her in action!
Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams officially ended their "Robbie & Geri in Love: The Promo Tour" when Williams explained that the tabloids took advantage of their joint-vacationing, which happened to be well-timed since Geri is releasing "If Only" in paperback form as the Rob-ster releases, "Sing When You're Winning," his brand new album. Robbie declared, "I like her an awful lot and don't want to ruin the friendship by it becoming more than that. I also want the press to be wrong. They think we're in love, blah, blah, blah, blah. But she sleeps in that room and I'm over there. If you don't believe me come and see where our clothes are. We haven't slept together, or kissed. She's a really nice girl who I can't mess about. It's very difficult because she's beautiful, fantastic personality, sexy, but she's just my mate. I'm still sowing my seeds." Robbie revealed all to Radio Times that even though Geri might have been Sexy Spice, he would never consider romancing her because he feared that he would let her down saying, "I've done that in the past and I want to grow up. If I had a daughter I wouldn't allow her to go out with the person I am but I'd allow her to go out with the person I'll become." Robbie also said he was hurt by Geri's former bandmate, Posh Spice's attack that Robbie only "loves himself." Robbie said, "That upset me but she's entitled to her views."
Though Robbie didn't comment on Mel C, it was interesting that he landed on top of her at the # 3 position this week with "Rock DJ" as Mel sunk to # 4 with "I Turn To You." Melanie dethroned him from the # 1 spot a week ago. Melanie spoke on c3 about how 'chuffed' she was about the single, "I'm chuffed to bits to get my second solo number 1 and I can't think of anyone better to knock me off next week than Victoria. Nice one chaps for making it happen." She's always chuffed...and drunk when she gets these # 1's. You have to wonder if its worth it for her to phone in. If you don't know what I'm talking about, head over to the audio section of Spice Universe. It's quite enjoyable, poor Mel, it must have been some hangover. Melanie C will also be releasing her fifth (and thankfully final) single from her successful "Northern Star" album, the charity single, "If That Were Me"), which is also due out in November.
One last bit of news, Emma p/k/a Baby Spice will follow up her Pokemon smash: "(Hey You) Free Up Your Mind" and her cover of "What I Am" with Tin Tin Out with a solo album. She told Radio 1 that she has been in the process of fine-tuning 18 songs, some include work with Rodney Jerkins who's been master-producing the new Spice album including the R&B "Holler Holler." Emma said that some tracks are similar to her cover version with Tin Tin Out as well as some "dance-y" tunes, ballads (which are here favorites to write), and R&B (yet poppy) thanks to Rodney. Emma's inspiration for the songs are based on her own experiences in life. She even defied one as a, "real girls' anthem about going out." Supposedly in the new OK! Magazine, Emma says that we can expect a solo single in January of 2000 with an album following shortly after. In related solo news, Victoria is also readying a solo album with help from Rodney Jerkins as well.
August 14, 2000-Melanie C Tops Robbie in Charts, Secures Spot For Posh! Melanie B "Tells" About New Albums! Posh Considers New Album Duets, Playboy Offer, Supporting Role from David! Ex-Husband Strikes Scary's Sister; Spices Suffer Another Loss
What better way to kick off a news update then with a # 1 notice. Melanie C landed on top of Robbie Williams (not for the first time since they did go out years ago) to knock off "Rock DJ" from the # 1 spot with "I Turn To You." Melanie C sold nearly 121,000 copies of the 2 part single, nearly 20,000 more than Robbie. Melanie C was said once again to be "chuffed" with her surprise success of the hit dance track. Not surprisingly, she was once again drunk. Although the Capital FM interview was quite interesting nonetheless. You should check out Spice Universe for a listen! You will not be disappointed. Upon her # 1 single reaching the top Melanie received a special Guiness British Hit Singles Number One Award for her 213 weeks on the charts, her rich career as a songwriting and singing career as a solo artist and member of the Spice Girls. Melanie C only rivals Geri who has 10 solo # 1's as well. Here's the rest of the list:
1. Paul McCartney with 21 - 4 solo + 17 Beatles
2. John Lennon with 20 - 3 solo + 17 Beatles
3. George Harrison with 18 - 1 solo + 17 Beatles
4. Elvis Presley with 17 - all solo
5. Cliff Richard with 14 - 6 solo + 1 with Young Ones + 7 with Shadows
6. George Michael with 11 - 7 solo + 4 Wham!
7. Geri Halliwell with 10 - 3 solo + 7 Spice Girls
8. Robbie Williams with 10 - 3 solo + 7 Take That
9. Melanie C with 10 - 2 solo + 8 Spice Girls
10. Gary Barlow with 10 - 2 solo + 8 Take That
Before the rumor mill gets started, Melanie C holds no animosity towards her bandmate Victoria, who will attempt to dethrone Melanie's "I Turn To You" single from the # 1 spot against Spiller. Melanie said of her getting the top spot and Victoria, "I'm chuffed to bits to get my second solo number 1 and I can't think of anyone better to knock me off next week than Victoria."
Melanie B also divulged that although her new single, "Tell Me," seems quite angry, she does not hold anything over her ex-husband's head. Or so she told UK 'Cosmopolitan,' "It's just my way of putting that part of my life to bed. I went through an emotional battering and I've come out of it feeling stronger than ever." Melanie also explained she has no regrets with her marriage and that there will not be a problem over custody as previously alleged, "Phoenix sees her daddy at weekends and loves him to bits. I wouldn't take that from her." Melanie has been plugging her latest single, "Tell Me," due out on September 18th, followed by the album, "Hot!" out on October 2nd. A few instances include her gig tomorrow at Radio 1 "Chris Moyles' 'One Big Belly' Show" in Weymouth. A pic (courtesy of the Sun) is above.
Worldpop seems to get all the good interviews! Melanie B revealed a little more about her solo album to them, including confirming yet another track! Melanie also listed another producer on the album following up with Jam & Lewis, Rodney Jerkins, and now the "Thong Song"-er himself, Sisqo. Melanie also reconfirmed that "Word Up" was scrapped and "I Want You Back" was there. Melanie re-stated that "Lullaby" was written with Phoenix in mind and "Feels So Good" was on there. Mel also said there was controversy with yet another song (produced by Blackstreet and announced on TRL US), "Pack Your $h*t." Melanie added some more on the recording process and more on the new album, "We still have that thing where I sing a line, Vic sings a line and Em sings a line, which makes life so much easier!' I'm like, 'Oh you sing that note cos it's too hard for me!' Ha-hah! 'It's a bit more grown-up and mature and a hell of a lot stronger, vocally and lyrically. We've worked with Rodney Jerkins quite a lot who's done some great stuff with Destiny's Child. He gives the album an R&B flava but the four of us give it that pop element." Worldpop issued the release date of "Tell Me" being out on the 4th of September, but its still the 18th. The album release date is right, but Worldpop lists the Spice Girls' return single as being "Holler Holler/Keep the Faith" and not "Holla Holla/Let Love Lead the Way."
Victoria news is in surplus with her promotional tour in overdrive to support her latest single, "Out Of Your Mind," which was released yesterday. In summary of anything newsworthy, Victoria has an interview, at c3, which is very nice you can read by clicking here. Victoria SPICE-d up Ibiza with Dane while sporting a "I LUV BECKS" tattoo. David appeared at the signing at the Virgin Megastore in Piccadilly. David also does backing vocals in Victoria's single during Dane's lead part, so you can't count out a duet in the future. The Posh Spice Girl and her husband might collaborate on another business venture: a £200,000 deal by Playboy magazine to bare all. The Beckhams flew to L.A. to meet with execs, however they did authorize they wanted to select the camera person as well as the shots, showing and covering what they wanted, they only wanted "tasteful" ones.
Victoria also paid a visit to the dance capital of the world, Ibiza! Victoria faced among other things an attempt on her husband's life after someone had cut his brakes on David's Ferrari and a mild case of food poisoning as she ate some "dodgy" food. Victoria performed at Eden, a dance club Eden with Truesteppers and Dane Bowers. They were lipsyncing their performance but you couldn't tell by the audience's enthusiastic applause. Victoria spoke that her album, which should arrive next year, would feature some American artists (she also wants to work with Eminem?) in attempt to crack the American market as she did three years earlier with the Spices. "There are a lot of people that I would like to work with. Nearer to the finishing off my album I'll have some duets on there. I'd like to do something with a big American artists because I think that often helps when you're bringing something out in America, and America is very important to me. I'd quite like to surprise everyone, I'd like to do something with a big rap artist. What about Eminem? He's cool but he's a bit scary. I'd be like, 'Hi! Don't cane me!' In the song he said he didn't know which Spice Girl he wanted to impregnate and I was actually impregnated myself at the time, so I assumed he didn't mean me!" What is with everyone wanting to work with Eminem? Especially the Spice Girls? Eminem is in the anti-pop culture stage, so I think the last person he'd want to work with is them, but you can never say never.
I always save the worst news for last so here it is. Jimmy Gulzar was arrested after punching his estranged wife (Melanie Brown)'s sister (Danielle, who is an actress) while holding his and Melanie's daughter, Phoenix Chi, after the two had a bust-up. Danielle, actress of the show Emmerdale, claimed that Gulzar had punched her in the head. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 13th, while Jimmy had temporary weekend custody of his daughter. Danielle had been a keen supporter of trying to keep the Brown-Gulzar marriage together. Gulzar was taken into the police station for questioning and later freed on bail. Helen Pidgeon did say that Phoenix Chi was in Gulzar's arms during the alleged situation. Pidgeon did say, "Our client categorically denies the allegation and has not been charged." Gulzar claims HE came off worst in the row a week ago last Sunday." Another lawyer said that, "Our client is also considering what action to take."
The Spice Girls also had another series of bad luck. The Spice Girls lost yet another member of their extended family due to a freak accident. Johan Camitz, 38, a Swedish director was killed in New York after being struck by a Range Rover. The driver of the Range Rover was shot by another gunman in a Honda Civic. The two had been having a gunfight and after being struck, the Range Rover went out of control striking the director. Camitz was taken to the hospital but did not sustain the injuries. Camitz was a successful director of ads for Nike, Diesel, and Mastercard among others. Camitz might be best remembered career-wise for directing the infamous "Wannabe" video that launched the Spice Girls' career, with it only being two splits. The Spice Girls were said to be "shocked and saddened by his death." This is the third accidental death linked to the Spice Girls. Bob Herbert lost his life in a car crash while driving in stormy weather. Bob Herbert was the original producer of Touch who placed the ad in "The Stage" for the members of the Spice Girls. The Spice Girls also suffered another loss when one of the crewman working on their "Christmas in SpiceWorld" tour feel from the roof to his death. SOTW would like to express its deepest sympathy for all the families involved.
August 8, 2000-Spice Girls New Album & Single Unveiled! Solo News All Around; Geri & Robbie Continue with Melanie B Meeting; Victoria Pops Out!
"It's a really great album and we're very proud of it. It's a bit more of a mature sound but that's natural as two of us have had babies and we've all grown up a lot."
-Victoria on the state of the Spice Girls and the new album!
The New Album is Coming !!!!!
The new Spice Girls album will be released on November 6th. The Spice Girls have been writing and recording over the course of the last 14 months. The third record, currently untitled was recorded at several locations including studios in London, Los Angeles and Miami. The Girls have been writing and working with such well known producers as Rodney Jerkins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The first single will be released on October 23rd. However, some lucky fans did get to hear early versions of a few tracks when the Girls performed their sold out shows at Earl's court way back in December.
The girls have been extremely busy both on their current third release and their own solo projects. In October 1998 Melanie B released a collaboration with Missy Elliot "I Want You Back". The following year while recording her debut CD Melanie B completed a song for the Austin Powers "The Spy who Shagged Me" soundtrack.
October 1999 saw Melanie C release her debut CD "Northern Star" whose third single "Never Be The Same Again" has topped charts all over the world. "I Turn To You" is already shaping up nicely and will be out on August 7th.
Emma Bunton (who is also recording her own debut CD) has recorded a remake of Edie Brickell's "What I Am" with Tin Tin Out which hit 2 in the UK charts. Victoria Beckham is about to release her debut collaboration with Truesteppers titled "Out of Your Mind".
"We are stronger after being apart for a while and we're very happy to have been back together in the studio," Melanie C said of their forthcoming release."This strength will show on this new album, which I think is our best yet."
What better news to follow up news on a third album release than an interview with one of the Spice Girls about the third album. Victoria sat down with Dotmusic and discussed the album three years in the making for the UK, which will be released on November 6th (November 7th in the US). Victoria echoed the "mature sound" theme of the album and revealed it took 14 months to write and record. But added that her own solo album is much more of an endeavor, "I wouldn't say it was the hardest album we have done so far because my own album is probably the hardest. We've taken our time with it. The reason its taken so long is that we've all wanted to do our own thing as well. It's a really great album and we're very proud of it. It's a bit more of a mature sound but that's natural as two of us have had babies and we've all grown up a lot." Victoria also revealed that she had a personal favorite track, "My personal favourite is a song called 'If You Want To Have Some Fun'. It's quite swingbeat, very summery and it's very 'up there'. But it still has that Spice Girls feel to it." Victoria also let the fans know that she was willing to discuss anything...ANYTHING...in her Dotmusic Webcast, "I'll answer questions about anything - anything anyone wants to know - whether it be personal or about my music. I do like to talk a lot about the music because sometimes it can be a bit frustrating when people only want to talk about my private life, but I'm up for answering questions about that as well. I'm also up for answering Spice Girls questions, anything really - there's nothing I won't answer!"
Victoria's wicked single with the Truesteppers - 'Out Of Your Mind' - is out soon in the UK - 14 August!!
...and if you just happen to be hanging around that day, she and ex-Another Level super-bloke Dane Bowers are gonna be signing CDs--and anything else you might want!--at the Piccadilly Virgin Megastore between 2 and 4pm.
And, same day, check out the Spice site, cos the crazy girl's given us loads of personal pressies to give away...one a day for a week..so just make sure whatever else is going on you hit the site each day--or live to regret it baby!
And if there's stuff you've been dying to ask Victoria, she's also going to be chatting online with Dane at the www.bmgbackstage.co.uk site on 11 August 1pm, UK time.
You can ask a question here
MELANIE B
Melanie B's got a new single, new video and new website coming...and shame on you if you're not already humming her track morning, noon and night!
...'Tell Me' is out on October 2 and you'll be able to catch Melanie on the front covers of all these mags--Loaded, Sky, Touch, Time Out, as well as in Smash Hits, Live & Kicking and tons more...she's busy rehearsing a live band too--so watch out for her on TV nearer to release.
MELANIE C
Solo Spice pioneer, Melanie C's busy planning the video for her FIFTH UK single - 'If That Were Me' - due out in November, and if that wasn't enough, she's also putting the final touches to the set she's going to be playing on her big UK/European tour this September...some girls never stop working!!
It's all here!!!
EMMA
f-i-n-a-l-l-y...if you live in the UK, did you check out the funky, yet fab'n'fresh presenter on this week's CD UK?...yep, Emma's stepping into the presenter's seat for 4 shows and she's been having a ball.
...don't forget to tune in next week...and next time we write we'll let you know how her solo album's coming on...last time we counted, Emma had written 18 tracks....blimey! it could be the first Spicey double CD!!!
[Multimedia Plug In! To Check Out SOTW's Special Victoria Beckham Performance of "Out of Your Mind Picture Page, simply click the above picture of Victoria to view her in action at Radio One's Big Sunday and G.A.Y.]
Victoria might need a little less promotion for her single, "Out of Your Mind" when its released next week on the 14th, especially after she managed to land several headlines as well as pictorials as a result of her Radio One Big Sunday show at Stewart Park Middlesbrough. Victoria joined Truesteppers and Dane on stage in front of a 60,000 audience. Victoria was wearing an outfit similar to her Party in the Park performance except she didn't have anything under and she revealed a little more than planned. An official spokesman for Radio one said, "Victoria was wearing a beautiful burgundy leather catsuit with a slash across the front. Unfortunately her performance was very energetic and allowed people to see one or two things they perhaps shouldn't have. David Beckham was on the guest list but couldn't make it, which was perhaps just as well."
Victoria had performed the single the previous night at the G.A.Y. club in a gold dress that also left little to the imagination. Victoria even dropped the pouting act and showed off two tattoos (temporary, of course), one was a Chinese dragon. She even took a hint from former Spice Girl Geri and brought a dog named Gizmo to the club. The club of about 5,000 men well received her 2 A.M. lipsyncing performance but the main attraction was when David Beckham introduced her and apologized for his absence.
Melanie C has added more SPICE to the Geri & Robbie in Love: The Promo Tour. For those that last tuned in, Geri had flipped out over Robbie supposedly bedding another woman and Robbie had told her to "*uck off." The two are believed to be happy together after sharing a dinner on Geri's birthday and playing touch football. Melanie C sarcastically said in an interview with Galaxy FM, "I've got to have my photo taken with a different bloke every day and then I'll sell loads of records." If that doesn't say bitter cat fight and single sales, Posh Spice added insult to injury by calling Galaxy and helping Mel C come up with the picture perfect promotion with guys in a swimming pool and a dog on the lap. However, both might need to take a promo lesson, especially since Mel C is trying to make Robbie "Go Down" as she lands on top with "I Turn To You." Robbie had his week and now it's Mel's, end of that. Victoria also rebuked tabloid rumors about her anger about Virgin releasing Spiller's "Groove Jet (If This Ain't Love)" single the same week as Posh's.
In more tabloid squanderings, The Sun has claimed that Melanie B and Geri have settled the score once in for all. The two had bumped paths while in a country club. Geri had Robbie with him, but the two Spice Girls made amends after a long conversation, the first time the two had spoken since Halliwell quit in May of 1998. It was believed that Melanie B forced Geri out of the group after the two had a fight at an airport. No word yet if Robbie tried to pull anything with Melanie or whether Melanie B attacked Geri following the conversation. I wouldn't count on a reunion yet. But you never know.
August 6, 2000-Spice Girls To Holler and Let Love Lead New Single; One Video Shot; One More To Go!
"The album is a bit more grown-up and it's going to have deeper lyrics. It will be spicy. It's still very girls on top and the Spice Girls will last forever."
-Melanie B on the state of the Spice Girls and the new album!
People of the World, Spice Up Your Life! They're Back! MTV News US has reported that the Spice Girls' highly-anticipated as of yet still untitled (working title: "Third Time Around") album will hit the shelves in the US on November 7th in America and reports are stemming out of the UK and Australia that the follow-up to "Spiceworld" will be released on November 6th. MTV also confirmed that the Spice Girls' first American single has not been chosen, but that "Holla Holla"/"Let Love Lead the Way" was slated for the Spice Girls' comeback single to be released (presumably September according to Capitol FM). MTV also added that Melanie B's album "Hot" will be released in the US early 2001. MTV also discussed Victoria's duet with Truesteppers and Dane Bowers adding that the single would not be released in the US (surprised?). MTV passed on the information circulating about Victoria's solo album having work done by Rodney Jerkins and Gary Barlow (one of the singers from Take That, the group that spawned Robbie Williams). Victoria's album is expected next year, but no information has been given. The Spice Girls have also already shot the album photos for their forthcoming release and Heat magazine has them all, of course if you haven't already checked one of the most awesome and comprehensive (and high quality pic) sites, what are you waiting for, SpicePix.com has them up! I'm sure the Spice Girls will not have a disappointing cover, I'm still quite curious about what the final product is and what will happen with that blank letter (if the Spice Girls follow the same album cover formula).
One last release date rundown (for this news update anyway): Melanie C: "I Turn To You Single" UK-August 7th; Truesteppers featuring Dane Bowers and Victoria Beckham: "Out Of Your Mind" UK-August 14th; Melanie B: "Tell Me" single UK-September 18th; Melanie B "Hot" album UK-October 2nd/US-Early 2001; Spice Girls' third album UK/Australia-November 6th/US-November 7th.
One last promo plug, CaseMusic has some exceptional exclusive mp3s for download! Included are an "Out of Your Mind" remix (already taken from the single, which is out in over a week!), the Damien LeGassick remix of "I Turn To You" which hasn't even hit the stores yet is already there in exceptional quality. I'm so glad there are sites like this that can bring you a few sneak peeks of what's to come, especially to those deprived of having to wait for imports! Definetly a site to check out a couple times a day, you never might know what upload might come next!
Melanie C has been doing some divulging lately about the new Spice singles. Radio 1 (BBC UK) was told by Sporty Spice that the new Spice Girls' video will have a symbolic message attached as each of the four Spices represent a separate element (wind, air, water, and fire), powerful on its own, but together forming an unbelievable force of power (THE SPICE GIRLS and also in the video the earth, it is a Spiceworld after all). The only question is who is going to play who and more importantly, when is it going to be released. At time of publishing, Virgin UK was unable to confirm anything beyond Melanie B's "Hot" release. Keep checking back, hopefully we'll have an answer in early September.
Despite the prospect of all this fantastic group and solo news, Geri Halliwell has managed to wedge herself into the headlines even if she's not offending the church or critics with her new album. Her relationship with "Rock DJ" himself, Robbie Williams, has been widely publicized, scrutinized, and analyzed. It began when Geri was seen leaving his house at 1 AM and later when the pair scheduled a get away to St. Tropez, a French resort. The relationship was played down by both camps. Although the tabloids took several angles on the story, most provided with shiny pictures of the two cavorting around from motorcycles to beaches. Melanie B was the first to mount the controversy while premiering her brand new single, "Tell Me" on Capitol FM 98.5. Mel said that she didn't think they were serious and brought up his new single, dismissing it as a promo stunt (you can hear the audio by downloading the interview portions of SOTW's brand new TELL ME SECTION!). Victoria Beckham managed to be the most outspoken member of the group attacking Robbie. Melanie C must have been too busy being bitter and will tell both he and Geri off on her new album. Just kidding. Victoria slammed Robbie saying, ". I don't know whether it's love but I know he loves himself. What's it all about? I know he's got a new single out there - - not that he needs the publicity. I can't believe it. I'm sure they'll be talking a lot about therapy together. I just hope she knows what she's doing."
In addition to her work on the third album photo shoot Melanie B is showing off some skin for SKY Magazine and News of the World. Not surprisingly Mel took the opportunity to discuss her split with Jimmy openly, one of the first times Mel has neglected to speak her mind. As only Melanie could, "I don't regret anything. I certainly don't regret getting married to Jim because I've got a beautiful daughter and I've learned a lot. At the end of the day, he's father of my child. That will never go away and we're on speaking terms because of it. I fell in love with him and I had a child with him. I got married to him. What am I going to do? Turn around and say 'I hate you?' Turn around and say to my daughter: 'I hate your dad?' I would never do that. I'm a parent and I've got responsibility. My daughter loves her daddy and will always love her daddy. I always want it to be like that." Melanie also comments about her daughter and how one of the songs off her album, "Hot," (Lullaby) is dedicated to her. "I love my daughter-she's the happiest I've ever seen her. She sees her dad and gets the best of both worlds. It's not an ideal set-up. But, you know, $h*t happens. Melanie also explained the writing process with her lead single, "Tell Me." "When I wrote it I was very emotional, very unhappy and very upset. It was like: 'I'm not going to be the fool anymore. I'm going to make myself happy-not just for my sake but for my daughter.'" Of course Melanie showed off new love Max Beesley by saying, "Max is a lovely person, very down-to-earth. He's a northern guy and I'm a northern bird." A source commented that the rumors of the two splitting are trash. "The source close to Mel" said, "She's bang in love with Max. He's away filming at the moment [for his lead role opposite Mariah Carey in "All That Glitters"] and they're always on the phone. How can anyone think they're not seeing each other when they're in constant contact?" Melanie next discussed her latest addition: a tattoo! "The tattoo was a bit painful but I really wanted it done. It's a great piece of art and I wanted some of that." Melanie also finished the article with some great news for the fans, "The album is a bit more grown-up and it's going to have deeper lyrics. It will be spicy. It's still very girls on top and the Spice Girls will last forever." What a great answer to those that questioned the role of solo efforts against the group work.
We couldn't finish this news update off without news on Emma. Emma, in addition to hosting CD UK this month greeted three children to present them with a brand new bravery award. Emma p/k/a Baby Spice presented Marita Hing (seven years old from Slough), Tom Mann (eleven years old from Liverpool), and Sophie Hancock (thirteen years old from Bolton) for their courage and determination having undergone growth hormone treatment. The three children were nominated for their test of bravery by regular hospital nurses. The children were said to smile immediately after being given their awards by Emma. Emma's next stop is promoting a solo effort performance for Radio One's Big Sundays on August 13th.
SOTW normally saves the worst for last, while trying to take a positive spin on the situation. First up, Victoria and David will be chatting LIVE with Dotmusic on Friday, August 11th, at 8 AM (US Eastern Standard Time). Unlike normal interviews, it'll be live with video and audio as Vic and Dave field questions simultaneous by answering on video while the other uses the regular chat format. Victoria has promised to reveal some juicy secrets and Dotmusic said there'll be a solid rapid fire-session of Q&As. So if you've got a good question, go here to read Dotmusic's article and go here to ask a question.
Unfortunately that was the positive side of the section, now to the less Spice-y news. Victoria is now the favorite to crash at the # 2 on the UK single charts when she releases her single on August 14th. And what is more amusing is the threat comes from Victoria's own label, Virgin. Virgin is releasing Spiller's "Groove Jet (If This Ain't Love)" also on the 14th. The single is a dance smash (at about 6-7 minutes in length) in Ibiza whereas Victoria is throwing herself into promotional overdrive. Victoria naturally was less than thrilled with Virgin for challenging her own first solo work and has reportedly asked them to delay the single for a week or she (as a Spice Girl would be very unhappy). Supposedly Virgin execs are absolutely puzzled what to do in such a predicament. Regardless, without having heard the single, "Out of Your Mind" is a great single, very danceable, fun, and light with a futuristic video. Victoria as the Queen of the Royal Family of Pop Culture has some promo pull and SOTW is confident that she'll have her first solo effort go to # 1, with or without Grooving.
SOTW's News Archive [Archive Section Coming Soon]
SOTW News-September/October-1999
SOTW News-June/July 2000 [Coming Soon]
