Saturday, March 28, 2009

INFECTIOUS GROOVE TIME


Everyone has a song that's like a security blanket; one that is comforting to know is around when you need it. Althia & Donna's "Uptown Top Ranking" is one of those songs for me. I've dragged it out of the 45 closet on a regular basis for years. And it never fails to put a smile on my face, no matter how shitty I feel.

It was a hit in 78 in the UK, one of scores of reggae one-hit-wonders. Everything about it rubs cheerfulness; the groove of it, the lyrics, the light Jamaican patois. I can't put my finger on it, but if it does one ounce of good to you that it does to me, it's worthy of a download.

As much as I like the song, I was a little hesitant to watch a video, for fear that it might wreck the long-running vibe it held for me. Thankfully, that fear was ungrounded. The video clip from Top of the Pops (on YouTube) is downright adorable.

~ NOTE: ALL MEDIA IS HOSTED BY THE BLOGS & SITES NAMED BELOW ~
Listen:.
Althia & Donna - Uptown Top Ranking mp3 at Boogie Woogie Flu
Rhythm source:
Alton Ellis - I'm Still In Love With You mp3 at Stop Okay Go
Video:
Althia & Donna - Uptown Top Ranking video at YouTube

6 comments:

Unknown said...

"No pop, no ska/I strictly roots." I find myself singing that, and I no strictly roots.

Tom G said...

Mikel T. if that's you, I need an email!

Tom

Unknown said...

mikeltoombs@gmail.com

What, you thought it would be complicated?

Anonymous said...

Wow, Mikel Toombs. I allus taut dem a seh, "No pop, style"
Lyric sites seem to confirm this. Course, dey coulda been scorchin' mr rankin' skankin' ala Michael Campbell....
Interesting point you a mek.

tanks and ting

fROm tERRy mARINe

Anonymous said...

uh, oops... "no pop, no style"

tERRy

Anonymous said...

OK... it's "Nah pop no style" meaning dees Dee's comin' in from a da country... and dem earthy Eartha's and are not putting on airs, so to speak.
fROm tERRy