blog post My favourite Spice Girl: thoughts from a serious producer

It's confirmed, the Spice Girls will perform at the closing ceremonies for the London Olympics. No wonder, the band is a perfect fit, with their strong U.K. image and great international appeal. It’s easy to forget just how popular this band was in the '90s.   They’ve sold over 75 million records.

However, not all is perfection in spice world. Ginger Spice alleges that Posh Spice has lost her spirit for the Spice Girls. A recent photo of the band may support this allegation. Posh Spice can be seen standing apart from the other girls at the premiere of the Viva Forever musical. That’s proof enough for me.

I can’t quite explain why I’ve given so much time to this story. I cancelled my subscription to News of the World years ago. I like to think of myself as a serious music producer, but somehow I got drawn in. I’ve worked with John Cage, symphony orchestras, a raft of great indie and mainstream rock musicians and world music artists. And yes, I have a favourite Spice Girl.

Thing is, I’ve realized that it’s very hard to resist the temptation to pick a favourite Spice Girl. It’s just part of the genius of their act – those five different flavours. If you’ve even spent the briefest of time considering them, I bet you’ve paused over which one is a) most interesting, b) most appealing, c) best singer. I know it’s kept me from important things.

I put it to the test. I went to see my buddy, the supervisor of technical operations at CBC Music, N.J McDonnell. I closed the door to his office. He looked at me and asked, “Closed door conversation?” I looked at him and said, “Who’s your favourite Spice Girl?” Without hesitation, he replied, “Sporty Spice, I thought she was the only one who could sing." McDonnell does not seem like the kind of guy who would have a favourite Spice Girl. But he does!

(Left: N.J. McDonnell, Right: Mel C: Brenda Chase/Getty Images)

It’s just irresistible to pick your favourite Spice Girl. Lest you’ve forgotten, or by chance you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting these ladies, allow me to make a brief introduction. As for me, well, my favourite used to be Posh Spice, I just kinda go for the way she dresses. However, I’m having second thoughts now that she’s losing her spice spirit.

Spice Girls in 1997. L-R: Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown, Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell.

(Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images)

Victoria Beckham

A.k.a., Posh Spice. Dressy, and a bit aloof. Married to David Beckham. 

Melanie Brown

A.k.a., Scary Spice. Love the leopard prints and the generally loud demeanor. 

Emma Bunton

A.k.a., Baby Spice. Cute, definitely sweet. Redefined the Lil Bo Peep look for the modern age.

Melanie Chisholm

A.k.a., Sporty Spice. Quite possibly the best singer of the group, and genuinely athletic. Sang with Bryan Adams in a post-Spice Girls project.

Geri Halliwell

A.k.a., Ginger Spice. I might be switching allegiance to the ginger lady. Famous for her Union Jack dress, and said to be the savvy business one in the group.

Lover, or hater of the Spice Girls, let us know: who is your favourite Spice Girl?