Spicy All Saints don't perform any miracles

If it was not already confusing with the Spice Girls' Mel B. and Mel C., a new Spice-wannabe band, All Saints, appears with its own Melanie.

But with the release of the new album "All Saints," these new girls on the block show that the "Mel" thing is getting old, and, regardless of what their fashion consultants say, cleavage can only sell the records - it can't make them good.

REVIEW
	All Saints All Saints London 1/2 star Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Aaron Rich

The band goes too far in trying to separate itself from its obvious Spice-origins. A sappy, overly hip cover of the not-too-old Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Under the Bridge" leaves the listener with one question - why can't that bridge finally fall down?

The girls forget that they live in the '90s and not the cheesy '80s in the dance tune "If You Want to Party."

All Saints smear around a cover of the disco classic "Lady Marmalade." They take a silly but fun song, leave it out of the fridge for too long and spoil it. (Umm, I want some butter with my toast!)

One last seductive effort fails miserably in "Take the Key." This slow song overemphasizes the beat and bass line and leaves the would-be lovers out in the cold, banging on the motel room door.

The fact is - whether they admit to it or not - there would be no Saints without some Spice.

The group takes a tired idea and tries to run with it. They end up merely feet from the starting line, gasping for fresh air.

Don't worry, Victoria, Geri, Emma, Mel B. and Mel C. - your latex thrones are not being threatened.

03-24-98