Mungo Jerry

Mungo Jerry's debut album, released hot on the heels of the mega-selling «In the Summertime», was more or less a straightforward recapitulation of what was already regarded as among the hottest live shows around. Although a handful of concert favorites («Mighty Man», for one) were lacking, the kazoo-powered «Maggie», the pounding country-bop «Johnny B. Badde» and a barnstorming reworking of «Baby Let s Play House» were all present and dynamically correct, together with the unequivocally titled «Mother Fucker Boogie», a knock-'em-dead instrumental duet for piano and mouth organ that says as much about Mungo Jerry's sense of fun as any of the band's better-known numbers. Although Mungo Jerry is clearly the work of a band still finding its feet, all the hallmarks of the group's future career are already visible, both good and bad. In the latter category, the songwriting conflict that would eventually see Paul King depart the band is painfully evident, as the haunting «Movin' On» and «Tramp» deliver melodies and arrangements far from the stamping, hooting, honking glee that was Ray Dorset's forte. Similarly, the somewhat samey style that would eventually scupper the band he left behind is mapped out by «See Me», a song that retrospect paints as a virtual medley of every great hit Mungo Jerry ever scored. At this stage, however, such fears and failings were far off in the future, and Mungo Jerry emerges triumphant, a mixed bag of jug-folk-blues that does indeed boogie like a «Mother Fucker Boogie». — Dave Thompson.