Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4871425

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

[r26831702]

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

180 Gram Vinyl.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

1000

Release date

2023-04-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

602448714251

Total Cap

Black LP

Artist

Althea and Donna

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

<p>Althea and Donna were a Jamaican reggae duo active between 1977 and 1979. They gained fame for their number one hit "Uptown Top Ranking" in 1978, which was produced by Joe Gibbs. The song was later re-recorded for the album of the same name, with producer Karl Pitterson. Their music showcased their unique style and contributed to the popularity of reggae during that time.</p>

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The ultimate ‘one-hit-wonders’, Uptown Top Ranking was a surprise International No. 1 smash hit single for the teenage due Althea and Donna. Entranced by Trinity’s hit ‘Three Piece Suit’, they wrote a ‘reply’ song - Uptown Top Ranking, which they cut for Joe Gibbs.
The success of the single, both in Jamaica and globally, secured them a deal with  Virgin Record’s Front Line imprint, releasing this, their only album, in 1978.
The album features the cream of Jamaica’s reggae musicians – ‘The Riddim Twins' (Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare) gives the music the fat rhythms, while the legendary group of players, The Revolutionaries - the sublime horn section of Tommy McCook, Vin Gordon, and Herman Marquis; guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith and keyboard player Bernard Harvey, provide the icing on the cake.
Despite the teenage girls’ lack of experience, this is a fabulous collection of roots reggae that swings from intense moody appeals to Jah, to brightly upbeat pop songs, and the Revolutionaries' outstanding contribution deserves the recognition it never received at the time.The title track has been covered many times, notably by Bristol trip-hoppers Portishead, in the late-'90s.This reissue includes two bonus tracks – It Mek, an album out-take unreleased at the time, and Going To Negril, a 12” single, also from 1978.
Remastered at Abbey road on heavyweight black vinyl.
Out of print for many years. A Bona fide reggae classic.

Uptown Top Ranking

Music GB