Well, the Backstreet Boys have a new album out. It's called Black and Blue and it is number one in the charts. However, something happened that they didn't expect...

N'SYNC is still kicking their ass.

Granted, Backstreet sold 1.6 million copies the first weekend... but N'SYNC sold 2.4 million. And there's a simple reason why: The neglect the *boogie*. Never neglect the *boogie*.

Face it, part of the boy band's audience are gay males. And what do we look for in our groups? Most importantly, we look for a good groove. We don't care if your are doing a lot of coke (Whitney), a Twix commercial (Anasticia), or are a breast-enhanced horrible-singing teen princess with no soul (Britney). If the songs don't work, we won't tune in.

Sure, Backstreet Boys can harmonize... but where's the flash? N'SYNC is out there singing and dancing, playing with dolls in their videos, driving sport cars, and doing everything that they can to put on a good show. Backstreet... well, they just sing. And a boy band is not where I look for good singing. If I want culture, I'll go to the symphony. I'll watch A&E. I'll buy the CDs of the opera I was in last year.

So barring an amazing remix by Thunderpuss 2000, the Backstreet Boys are on the way out. Next group to fall? The Spice Girls. Same problem. If they don't take a clue from Ginger's solo career, they are sunk.

Thus endeth the lesson.

Pinwiz - I'm still going to buy the Spice Girls' CD anyway.