Girls Aloud's third album, Chemistry, was by far and away their most universally adored by both critics and fans. So why exactly did it - relatively - underperform compared to their previous releases?
One thing I have tried to curb a little bit coming into this year is the expansion of my vinyl collection. Some of this was borne out of necessity (I had to upgrade my storage trunks over Christmas, as my collection had outgrown the original ones I stored them in), but also to try and … Continue reading Girls Aloud’s “What Will The Neighbours Say?” at 20: revisiting a modern pop classic
WRITER'S NOTE: This is a new version of a blog I first wrote back in 2018 for the 15th anniversary of the Everything's Eventual album, now updated for its 20th anniversary and new release on vinyl. I've spoken many a time before on the blog about life after hugely successful pop bands - solo efforts … Continue reading Nicole and Natalie: from All Saints to Appleton – ‘Everything’s Eventual’ at 20
20 years ago. That is exactly how long it has been since British boyband Blue released their debut album. When I first learnt of this on Instagram a week ago, I had two immediate reactions.Firstly, I am that mature now (I was 12 in 2001 for reference, date fans). Secondly, after cranking up that album … Continue reading A definitive ranking of all of Blue’s singles.
We have a small confession to make, dear readers. Regular viewers of our retro pop series of posts titled The Story of Pop: 1999 (back this Thursday at midday as always) will remember we featured a lovely if lesser recalled top 10 hit from Catatonia two weeks ago. The reason for this might have seemed … Continue reading ‘Thank ABBA for the Music’ at 20: a defining pop moment of 1999
Now here's something to make you realise how much time has elapsed. Did you know that Nigella Lawson has been part of foodies' lives and cookbook shelves - including mine - for exactly two decades now? This month has seen the publication of a special 20th anniversary edition of her debut book, How To Eat, the … Continue reading Nigella Lawson: The Queen of Foodies in Twenty Quotes
One of pop's biggest stories of last year was the majestic return of Steps to celebrate their 20th anniversary since the release of debut single '5-6-7-8'. Like all the best 'Phoenix from the flames' moments in pop, it was one of those returns where they came back bigger and better than before, and put many … Continue reading #CrazyStupidDVD: Steps – “Party on the Dancefloor: Live from the SSE Arena Wembley”
Now here's a blogging DeLorean hop this weekend that will make certain readers - namely around my age - feel old. Can you believe it's 20 years to the week that a certain group of Danish Europop legends topped the charts with an ode to the world's most plastic fantastic doll? The story of Aqua … Continue reading #BlastfromthePast: Aqua
As we left the first part, we touched on the release of "Viva Forever" being - at the time at least - the Spice Girls' final single as a five piece before Geri walked out of the group in May 1998. Though the Spices would go onto release one final album together - the much … Continue reading A #CrazyStupidPlaylist Special: 20 Years of the Spice Girls (Part 2 – Solo Spices)
Picture the scene exactly 20 years ago, in July 1996. Pop has never mattered the least in such a long time. Take That have split, and neither Gary Barlow nor Robbie Williams are yet emerging with viable solo prospects. Oasis and Blur, the two heavyweights of Britpop, are the main games in town. And Peter … Continue reading A #CrazyStupidPlaylist Special: 20 Years of the Spice Girls (Part 1 – Their Greatest Hits)
The Niche Reference 