15th December, 1997

"Too Much" by Spice Girls Surfing the backlash like Godzilla on a tsunami, the Spice Girls curl up around a festive log fire and release "Too Much", the Big Ballad from Spiceworld. Firing with all guns, they set their sights on the Christmas number one, going up against the evil Tubby Empire in a valiant effort to place Pop back on the top of the charts. And you know what? Those plucky gals might just do it... "Too Much" may be drowning in treacle and so sweet it makes your fillings itch, but it is ideal Christmas fare. Over-indulging at this time of year is traditional, so why not jump into this big sherry trifle of a single with both feet. There is actually a tune and a song hidden in here, and it is a mighty fine one, particularly when Sporty opens her gob and the voice of an angelic soul diva comes out. Everyone may be baying for their blood, but the world would be a slightly less glittery place without them. "Outer Space Girls" on the b-side is a kitschy glam sci-fi party, big on squelchy bass and Mel & Kim style scratching. Sporty wins this one again, piloting her Millenium Falcon of a voice in and out of the asteroid belt, then karate kicking Darth Vader in the face. Sassy. The first CD closes with a the SoulShock and Karlin remix of "Too Much", which mellows the original down into a lovely soulful thing. CD numero 2 contains an Orchestral mix of the a-side (can you remember a time when songs didn't have strings) which sounds more Christmassy than Santa jamming with Slade as Rudolph does a karaoke version of "Mistletoe And Wine". The other extra track is "Walk Of Life", and is the Spice Girls Reggae number. Like "Spice Up Your Life" was the Latin number, and "Stop" is the Motown number. Expect "Frontal Lobotomy", the Spice Girls Arsequake number soon. Your country needs you. This is our only chance against Po and his evil henchmen. Buy this record. Rating: 8/10