Well, it's about fucking time. Finally, a fabulous and fair interview with Geri Halliwell, posted earlier this evening by the Guardian. Will Hodgkinson hits the nail on the head, describing her as "the cheeky but eager-to-please young woman that she was when 'Girl Power' first became a national buzz phrase." He then allows Geri to discuss her influences, her favorite CDs and her creative approach to music writing — she plays James Taylor when she has a hangover.

I'm just so sick of the catty British tabloids that have been going out of their way to trash the woman I've adored, idolized and grown to respect. Under the headline "Geri: It's all over, dear," The Sun declared that Geri's new job should be "flipping burgers" and that she is "drinking in the last chance saloon," simply because her new single "Desire" debuted at "a feeble No. 18." The Mirror continued the one-sided repartee with a sniffling assertion that "the Geri Halliwell car crash continues." Why? Because Geri has decided to promote her CD "Passion" at Asda, the British equivalent of Wal-Mart. "She had better get used to hanging around supermarkets," The Mirror says, "because, after she releases the album next Monday, she's likely to be working at the checkout tills."

Now, I've listened to "Passion" — thank you, Internet gods — and I'll be honest: It's not the most brilliant CD on the planet, but it's light, fun and honest. Though Geri is known mostly for her Kylie Minogue impersonations, she really hits her stride on "Passion" with the piano bar-ready "So I Give Up On Love" and (oddly) the Bebel Gilberto-inspired "There's Always Tomorrow." And I can't stop listening to "Let Me Love You More," the sort of song that plays in your head when you steal a glance at your boyfriend while he's making breakfast and you realize you're in love.

So, yea, the British tabloids can kiss my ass. Geri rules. If only every celebrity would take such an effervescent and light-hearted approach to her fame.

While you're waiting for "Passion" to download, enjoy a timeline of my favorite Geri Halliwell incarnations. As far as personal reinventions go, she beats Madonna, hands down. Also, Geri's official Web site has streaming clips of remixes and live performances. (My recommendation: Guide your mouse to Geri Jukebox, then click on "Look At Me/ So I Gave Up On Love." She performs — and sings! — live at London's G.A.Y.)

Can you name each video? I'll e-mail a copy of "Passion" to the first person who correctly identifies 'em all!

"Fuck you, bitches!"