Music makes the people come together, as Madonna famously warbled at the start of the century, but still I’m surprised at how many times my Twitter feed has revealed a shared love for specific songs, particularly the non-smashes.

Take The Pointer Sisters‘ “Dare Me,” which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 twenty-six years ago this week. Newly signed to RCA Records after several years with the Elektra-distributed Planet Records, the sibling act from Oakland, California had never sounded so assertive on wax. Or funky. “I hope that mean, hungry look means what it’s saying / ‘Cause I’m just sitting on ready / Ready and waiting.”

Peaking at #11 in September 1985, “Dare Me” definitely wasn’t The Pointer Sisters’ biggest hit, but within the confines of my Twitter circle (admittedly self-selected), it packs a bigger punch today than the trio’s other, more successful singles. I put the onus on an irresistible chorus, which practically demands one do their best ‘runway walk,’ with string plucks predating a sound that would be most prevalent in dance music years later (think “Back To Life”). While “Dare Me” couldn’t break into the top ten, it does make some sense that The Pointer Sisters enjoyed their sole #1 dance hit with the song.

My favorite moment in the boxing gym-set music video is when the ladies, previously attired androgynously in men’s suits, finally unleash their crazy Eighties ‘dos at 1:52. Anita’s brightly colored rubber hair twists are particularly awesome.

Better believe it: “Dare Me” is better known by some as the “uptempo goddamn number” that set then-American Top 40 host Casey Kasem off on his infamous long-distance dedication rant.

Purchase The Pointer Sisters – “Dare Me” via iTunes.