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*!*!*! 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*!*!*! ~ Dave Thompson