When I wrote that post I had hoped for a better effort than the song I’ve just listened to. I think to describe Headlines as bland, would be overselling the Spice Girl’s latest effort to top the charts.

With every move the Spice Girls make it becomes more and more obvious that the girls are only in it for the money. From their fake blog, to their rubbish song, the group are obviously just hoping to make a quick few million without having to expend any real energy.

I understand how tempting the idea of getting back together must have seemed when the girls saw the massive success of Take That, but if they aren’t prepared to release decent material, or put a bit of effort and sincerity into their comeback, then they should just go and design some more jeans.

Let’s face it, these girls are probably the best musical act to originate from a reality television show. They’ve had a string of major hits in the UK, whoever is selecting their songs for them is a genius (and we suspect it isn’t Louis Walsh).

This type of dirty pop music is something Girls Aloud excel at – infectious floor fillers. No, they’re not making any life-changing statements. But then again they never said they would. They’re just great entertainment. Right, guys?

We’ve gotta talk about the video. How could you not love the catsuits? Stocks in bondage gear just went through the roof. We’re not so sure about the billowing red dresses, or the makeup. We suspect they’ll grow on us though…

Needless to say, Sexy No No No gets a major thumbs up from us.

There are two schools of though on Gonzales’ music – one that it’s monotonous and dull, the other that he produces sublime, dreamy acoustic songs supplemented with his very unique singing style.

Though it doesn’t break any particular moulds – either for Gonzales or for the singer/songwriter ‘genre’, Down The Line is a beautifully written chill-out track. I love the texture of Gonzales’ voice, something unusual in either the accent or the way he sings is very distinctive. And very calming.

The video with the pig man is a little odd. Let’s just focus on the music for this one, eh? Oh, big thumbs up for Jose.

Fresh from her comic turn in the video for Girlfriend, our Avril takes a serious turn with When You’re Gone.

Let’s talk about the video first though. It basically borrows bits from Green Day (Dude goes off to war, leaves girlfriend behind – When September Ends) and Christina Aguilera (moping around a grungy room looking thoughtful – Beautiful).

The basic idea behind the video seems to be centered around the theme of loss. The director has tried valiantly to lift the concept from run of the mill rock ballad to a more mature statement on separation and loss.

Whatever, I’m not buying into it.

This was a poor enough choice as a follow-up to Girlfriend, and hopefully When You’re Gone will be the token ballad from the Best Damn Thing album. When you compare this with Avril’s other notable slow song, I’m With You, it’s clear just how lame this track is.

Dammit Avril, you need to raise your game. And wipe off some of that bloody mascara. Did you put your makeup on in the dark that morning?

Bradfield’s vocals initially sounded like they’d let Nicky Wire sing the lead, but I saw a live performance on YouTube and it definitely was James singing.

I’ve not made up my mind about this one yet. What’s your verdict?

Proper Education is a bit shorter than I remember Another Brick In The Wall being, but it weaves in the original Pink Floyd vocal along with (I think) the original bassline and guitar tracks. Not normally my thing, but this update may actually be better than the original!

The video for the single is pretty cool, featuring lots of kids doing bike tricks and parkour. It gets a bit weird when they start replacing light bulbs and putting bricks in people’s fridges, but apparently there’s an environmental message in the ‘Proper Education’ video and they’re sharing conservation tips:

The bricks are used to reduce energy consumption in the freezer by reducing the amount of free air inside. The brick in the toilet is used to reduce the amount of water used each time the toilet is flushed.

Both of these are great examples small things that individual households can do to conserve resources and reduce by using less. (YouTube)