Althea & Donna’s quirky reggae number 1 hit “Uptown Top Ranking”  from 1978 ,takes its place as one of those slightly unusual singles released around this time in the UK.

There’s an innocence in the vocals and delivery (they were teenagers) - that was created as an answer to another reggae song "Three Piece Suit” by reggae artist Trinity.

Accidentally played by the hugely influential BBC Radio One DJ John Peel - the Althea and Donna recording became the first number one hit for a female reggae duo in the UK!

In the less formulaic record industry of the late 70’s you could see other quirky singles being hits within their own genre - for example the Flying Lizards take on “Money” or Fox “Single Bed” or Lene Lovich “Lucky Number”.

What makes all these tunes memorable is a less polished or contrived performance, that make them more human- dare I say more vulnerable, authentic and unique.

As a result they tap into our consciousness in a more authentic fashion - and consequently are more fondly remembered.