The reggae continues with what is in fact two songs, an original called Three Piece Suite by Trinity, a Jamaican DJ and producer. That number was picked up by producer Joe Gibbs, who decided it would be a fun idea to take this DJ track and add some female vocals. Along came Jamaicans 17-year-old Althia Forest and 18 year-old Donna Reid, and the magic happened, but it was still at that point regarded as just an enjoyable collaboration. The song, sung in English but heavy on the Jamaican patois, is all about dressing up to swagger around town, and the duo give it extra charm with their lwhoops, squeaks and freshness. It became a hit, but primarily due to luck. DJ John Peel, on BBC Radio 1 at the time, was a champion of many artists who normally would not have had success, but played it on his show by accident. He was then inundated with listener requests, then came to champion it more, and they appeared on Top of the Pops, and had a week at No 1 in 1978. It still feels fresh to this day.
Want to suggest songs for Song of the Day or to say anything about it? Does this song make you think of something else? Then feel free to comment below, on the contact page, or on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube. Please subscribe, follow and share.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...