Mungo Jerry - The Polydor Years

Mungo Jerry's stay on Polydor Records, from 1975 through 1980, wasn't marked by a lot of chart hits, but they did make some great records, as this CD reminds listeners. Ray Dorset led an ever-changing lineup that included Tim Green and Dick Middleton on guitars, Chris Warnes, Larry Anderson, Eddie Quinn, and Doug Ferguson on bass, and Colin Earl at the piano. Whoever was on any specific record, the songwriting was solid and the execution was superb, whether on laid-back rocking numbers like "Hey Nadine"; roots rock-style pieces like "Never Mind I've Still Got My Rock & Roll"; or screaming, high-wattage blow-outs like "Impala Saga." This 21-song CD distills down the best of the group's work across three LPs, nine singles, and four EPs -- the best moments still recalled their early sound, either stylistically or lyrically, or, as in the case of "Don't Let Go," both -- it sounds like a very self-conscious reprise of "In the Summer Time." But they also employed a much harder and more mainstream sound on their debut single for the label, the nostalgic "I Can't Get Over Loving You," with its full electric sound, engaging lead and rhythm guitar hooks, and a wonderfully catchy chorus. Read More