In the same week that The Black Eyed Peas set an impressive chart record (the most successive weeks at number one for a duo or group), The Ting Tings can finally celebrate their very first Top 40 hit, as “That’s Not My Name” is parked just inside, at #39.

Though The Ting Tings’ first single, “Shut Up And Let Me Go,” got great exposure via that iPod advert, it stalled at #55—way back in May 2008. It’s been a long road for follow-up “That’s Not My Name,” which made my list of the Top Tunes of 2008. The song entered the Hot 100 at #96 upon its official release in December before dropping off the chart two weeks later. It began a second climb in February, but peaked at #52 in May.

I really thought that was it for “That’s Not My Name” and that would have been a real shame. Because what Katie White and Jules De Martino have crafted is just so fantastically catchy, an inverted schoolyard taunt (“The last drip standing against the wall”) crossed with the playfulness of a cheerleader chant. Why, America, are you so loathe to embrace such perfect pop on this side of the pond?

Well “My Name” re-entered the Hot 100 at #45 four weeks ago (thanks in part to some Radio Disney airplay, and perhaps some Post Grad trailer action), and now is slowly making its way higher and higher. I hope the song continues its climb, though I do worry I’ve just jinxed the whole thing for the Tings by mentioning it at all. After they’ve been so persistent, I think the UK duo have earned a shot at the top with “That’s Not My Name.” I mean, come on, this is a roll-down-the-windows-crank-up-the-speakers-and-sing-along tune if ever there was one:

Hopefully The Ting Tings will pick up further steam when they open for Pink on the U.S. leg of her “Funhouse” tour this fall. I’ve got tickets to the San Jose show, and can hardly wait.

Purchase The Ting Tings – “That’s Not My Name” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.