Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & Pink : Lady Marmalade

In an ironic twist, the guest stars of this update of Labelle's classic (no, you dink, All Saints's DIDN'T record it first) have succeeded in making a video that renders their release somewhat unforgettable.

Why? Because they all look like a bunch of ropey old wenches; the sort of over-done whore-bags that strutted around the bar while Doris Day's Calamity Jane went through her identity crisis. But what's most worrying of all is that its all deliberate! The make-up artist and wardrobe mistress weren't on crack! In fairness, they're supposed to look like whores, showgirls, whatever, cos this song relates to the forthcoming Nicole Kidman/Ewan McGregor movie 'Moulin Rouge', but even whores know when to stop layering on the mascara...

So vivid is the visual assault of this single that the quality of the collective vocals are nearly easily missed. But there's no doubt that Christina
and Kim shine brightest here (note Kim's consistent money-grabbing opener: "Hey sistas/soul sistas/better get that dough sistas"). Indeed Christina's voice literally soars above the valiant lower register contributions of Mya and Pink. But the overall problem of this whole exercise is that this release comes soon after the seemingly radio-dominant All Saints cover which may not appeal to as many listeners (and therein buyers) as it could.

Soul mama