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MUNGO JERRY NEWS
Welcome to our Mungo Jerry news page. Here you will find all the latest on our ‘mighty man’ and his band.
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MUNGO IN THE GUARDIAN
Click HERE to view an article that appeared to the UK newspaper, The Guardian (25/7/24) with Ray talking about the huge losses incurred despite being the composer of one of the world’s biggest selling single.
There was also a much smaller piece in the Daily Mail newspaper on the same subject.
MUNGO ON THE RADIO
At around 1 hour, 8 mins, Mungo Jerry’s In The Summertime, along with a few words from Ray, is featured on Johnnie Walker’s Radio Show. Just click HERE for a listen.
TIME TO VOTE AGAIN!
In The Summertime ’24 came in at No.45 on the Heritage Chart and is now at No.36. Let’s make it another hit for Mungo Jerry so let’s get voting.
NEWS FROM RAY – 18/6/24: “The In the Summertime BH 24 version was initially to be only available on the forthcoming Mungo Jerry album project which will be named Undefinable, and Bruce Brand at Arthole Retrographics is well underway with producing the artwork for this particular project.
“Owing to the fact that the track is featured on the forthcoming German summer compilation CD, and the tremendous comments, and the popularity of the recording on YouTube, this version will be up for streaming as a single release as from July 5th, 2024.”
ELECTRONICALLY TESTED RE-RELEASED – OUT NOW!
Check out 7A Records PROMO VIDEO
Here is the first review by The Second Disc – Click HERE
7A Records is proud to present our deluxe reissue of Mungo Jerry’s Electronically Tested. The album has been remastered and expanded with four bonus tracks and features extensive liner notes including Ray Dorset’s own recollections.
The CD features a 24-page booklet and the LP is pressed on 180g Red Vinyl.
Electronically Tested, Mungo Jerry’s second album, was first released in March 1971.
Even the title clued in listeners that this was no ordinary record. As Ray Dorset reveals, “I came up with the name of the album. Durex used to have ‘electronically tested’ written on their packets.
“I thought that was quite the talking point, if people in the know said, ‘That’s the same name as on the packet of condoms!’ It was taboo to mention stuff like that.”
Electronically Tested offered hints of the familiar via its inclusion of the UK #1 Hits, In the Summertime and Baby Jump, but elsewhere, the album was pure, eclectic Mungo Jerry.
Every side of Dorset’s talents as a singer, songwriter, and musician came to the fore on Electronically Tested, with his bandmates John Godfrey, Paul King, and Colin Earl – as well as producer Murray – joining him to create a joyful noise:
“It’s got a lot of tracks that could have been singles in their own right. It was good for me to be able to play all that kind of stuff”.
Mungo Jerry’s singular sound has been described as rock, folk, blues, country, good-time music, jug band music, pub rock, and gypsy rock – and that’s just a partial list.
One can hear all of those elements in the disparate, timeless songs that form Electronically Tested. How would Mungo himself describe it?
“It’s kind of rocky stuff. It’s got social commentary. It’s got all sorts of influences in there. It’s really best to say it’s Mungo Jerry music.”
Electronically Tested originally peaked at # 14 on the U.K. Albums Chart the week of April 14, 1971.
• Remastered with 4-bonus tracks
• Big 24 Page CD Colour Booklet
• 180g Red Vinyl
• Gatefold Sleeve
• Extensive Liner Notes
Our deluxe reissue of Mungo Jerry’s Electronically Tested is released on July 19th.
For a limited period of time, we are offering fans the chance to get a signed copy of the album. See links below.
Pre-order your copy now from:
Exclusive Offer: Get A Copy Signed By Ray Dorset
Signed CD: Click HERE
Signed VINYL: Click HERE
Or order from:
UK CUSTOMERS:
CD: Click HERE – VINYL: Click HERE
US CUSTOMERS:
CD: Click HERE – VINYL: Click HERE
GERMANY:
CD: Click HERE – VINYL: Click HERE
SCANDINAVIA:
CD: Click HERE – VINYL: Click HERE
CANADA:
CD: Click HERE – VINYL: Click HERE
AUSTRALIA:
VINYL: Click HERE
For all other territories, please check Amazon and all good record shops.
For more info from 7a Records, click HERE
MONEY FOR NOTHING
Ray would very much like everyone to read the document entitled ‘Money For Nothing’.
Just click HERE
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY REQUESTS FOR AUTOGRAPHS BY POST OR BY EMAIL AS THEY CANNOT BE DEALT WITH.
Click HERE to catch Ray on the Alan Turner-Ward show.
THAT IS WHY (I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU) PEAKS AT NO.7 ON THE HERITAGE CHART
‘That Is Why (I’m So In Love With You)’ is another hit for Mungo Jerry in the Heritage Chart, peaking at No.7, and now sits at No.20. It is taken from the forthcoming album, Indefinable.
You can still vote of course so just click on the Heritage Chart logo to vote.
NEWS FROM RAY – 21/5/24: “Hi Folks, here is the artwork cover of the latest track , courtesy of Mr Bruce Brand, with a link to the video which can be viewed as from 12 noon, UK time, May 22nd, exactly 54 years since the first release of the song in 1970.
“Plus, courtesy of Mr Hans Derer, SevenUs Media, Germany, this version is included on this coming summers physical CD compilation –SOMMERFETE 24
Here are three links for more info on the CD.
SOMMERFETE 24#
SOMMERFETE 24#
SOMMERFETE 24#
“Thanks so much for voting for That is Why ( I’m so in Love with You) which has elevated the track up to No 24 on The Heritage Chart.”
“Love and God Bless, Ray.”
NEWS FROM RAY – 29/4/24: “The latest Mungo Jerry release, That Is Why (I’m So In Love With You) which was due to be up on all of the major streaming platforms as from Friday April 26th. I have been recently informed that the chart now goes out to 101 platforms around the world.
“Thanks for voting folks, and check out the video for the track on YouTube.”
“There is now a Mungo Jerry account on Threads, and it is hoped that the X, and other posts will also appear on it.
“Work continues on the current Mungo Jerry recording project, the title of the album will be, as I have mentioned previously, Undefinable, this particular collection of recordings has proved to be a long winded affair as the recording process has often been interrupted in order to deal with several other matters.
“Have a good day folks, and thanks for following.”
“Cheers, Ray.”
NEWS FROM RAY – 16/4/24: “Hello folks, many thanks for visiting the Mungo Jerry websites, YouTube channels, and social media sites.
“Please accept my apologies for such a long delay since the last time that I posted a news update.
“Thanks for voting for the tracks that you managed to get into good places on The Heritage chart. There will now be another one to vote for.
That is Why (I’m So In Love With You) is my latest recording. Watch out for the video which is expected to be posted on YouTube very soon.
“This track will be on the album which is currently in process and is of mixed genres. It reflects some of the past musical influences that have inspired me over the past five plus decades.
“My friend Bruce Brand of Arthole Graphics has already completed the major work of the album artwork.
“I never expected to record yet another version of In the Summertime but I have done so, and this 2024 recording will also appear on the album, the penetration that this song has made throughout the world since its initial release in the UK on May 22nd 1970 never ceases to amaze me.
“One thousand 45 rpm 7 inch vinyl copies in mono of the missing verse version of Alright, Alright, Alright c/w Five Hundred Miles, also in mono. This record will be available to purchase as soon as the new Mungo Jerry shop becomes operative. Both of these tracks will be included on the Undefinable album in stereo.
“Another MJ physical release is already on the market and the title is MUNGO JERRY – TEN GROOVES IN GLORIOUS MONO, this is also a limited edition, although a second pressing was ordered as the initial pressings sold out in a matter of just a few days.
“I continue to work on the MJ book in conjunction with Mr O’Hanlon, with additional help from Mr. Taylor, Mr, Wadeson, and Mr. Van der Kiste. I also have to thank Mr. J.K Hornhaver for searching out and notifying me of the numerous cover versions of In the Summertime. They seem to continue to increase.”
“I was pleasantly surprised to see this lesson posted, I was very pleased with the storyline lyrics that I came up with for this song.
“The idea for lyric came up when I was in Hamburg. Having dinner with some friends in a restaurant with my then current MJ band members. We were all examining our passports, and the number of international stamps that we had each acquired.
“My reference to Green Stamps was inspired by the novelty song, “Speedy Gonzales” which was a hit for Pat Boone in 1962. I was actually referencing Green Shield Stamps. They were issued in the UK from 1958 and probably inspired by Green Stamps that originated in the USA.”
Ray.
MIGHTY MAN REVISITED
Have you checked out the version in the sidebar of Mungo Jerry’s hugely popular Mighty Man by New Zealand based combo, Country Bulldog Worboys.
Now, an updated version has been recorded, accompanied by a video but this time with Ray joining in (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Cheese Grater, Jug).
The two guys, Neil Worboys (Vocals, Tenor Banjo, Harmonica, Kazoo) and Kevin Findlater (Vocals, Guitars, Bass) are now part of the Hogsnort Bulldogs Goodtime Band.
Check out their website by clicking HERE
PAUL KING: Some of you may not know but former band member, Paul King has undergone open heart surgery but the good news is that all went well.
“I would just like to say a big thank you to all the people who wished me well and a speedy recovery (especially Justin) and although it will be a long road to recovery, I hope to be out and about strumming a few chords and downing a few pints sometime in May.”
All the Best…Paul .
If you wish, you can leave a message for Paul on his website by clicking HERE
Get well soon Paul!
UPDATE FROM JOHN BURTON (17/5/24): “He sounds very well and back on form and has flown off to Crete this week. Paul is actively talking about gigs there and when he gets back home.”
Click HERE to see Paul recovering and playing in Crete.
Below is an audio recording of Coming Back To You When The Time Comes by big Mungo fan, Jim McHugh, who lives near me. Jim’s not a performing artist as such, just plays for fun. He tells me it’s his favourite Ray Dorset composition.
TEN GROOVES IN GLORIOUS MONO – NOW RELEASED!
A liitle slow to notice but the Mungo Jerry vinyl LP, Ten Grooves In Glorious Mono is now available from various outlets. To buy from Amazon, click HERE
It features the following tracks:
IN THE SUMMERTIME (New recording)
MIGHTY MAN (Original recording test pressing)
BABY JUMP (2023 version with drums and sax)
LADY ROSE (New recording)
HELLO NADINE (Original hit version)
ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT (2023 version with the missing 3rd verse)
LONG LEGGED WOMAN DRESSED IN BLACK (2023 version with drums and sax)
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN THE ARMY TO FIGHT IN THE WAR (Solo acoustic version)
FEELS LIKE I’M IN LOVE (Sing-a-long in the coffee bar version)
DRAGSTER QUEEN (Swedish studio version)
Compiled by Ray Dorset & original mastering made by Darren Jones. Sleeve design by Bruce Brand.
MUNGO JERRY – ‘SONG-BY-SONG’ BOOK
At Ray Dorset’s (a.k.a Mungo Jerry) request, we are refraining from publishing our book, Mungo Jerry – ‘A Song-By-Song Review’ as he is busy working on his next album – “maybe my last” – Indefinable and would like us to include reviews of each track as we have done with all of his other work.
Frustrating as it is, it does make sense to have a full record of all of Mungo Jerry’s musical output and leave no loose ends, even though we originally planned to have a ‘Stop Press’ section saying that a new album was simply ‘Coming Soon’.
Ray has several tracks recorded already so hopefully the delay won’t be a long one and fans I’m sure will agree that it is the correct thing to do.
Anyone who would like their name to be included in the book we are looking to include a section that will feature your name and location.
Simply reply to [email protected]…… or through Kevin Bennett’s Mungo Jerry Fans Facebook page.
The book will be available to order through Amazon and we will post full details on the website and Kevin’s FB page.
SONG OF THE WEEK
This week, a fantastic piece of rockabilly from the Naked From The Heart album. Here is Hippty Cat Mama.
BOOM RADIO LISTENERS VOTED MUNGO JERRY’S IN THE SUMMERTIME NO.1 IN THE ALL-TIME SUMMER SONGS CHART.
A HERITAGE RADIO POLL VOTED THAT’S THE COLOUR OF LOVE ONE OF THE BEST SONGS OF LAST YEAR
Juergen Keuneke found a piece of footage of Mungo Jerry from way back in 1970 as part of a 70’s-type show.
Located at around 41.39, you can view by clicking HERE
MUNGO JERRY FANS GROUP ON FACEBOOK : For those who don’t know, there is a Mungo Jerry discussion page up-and-running on Facebook.
Created by Kevin Bennett, who is based in the U.S, Kevin told us, “the page has 521 members, a small but elite group.
“There’s at least one band member, or former band member on here.”
Click HERE and log-in to have a look and join up.
ROB KAMPHUES : Don’t forget to visit our friend Rob Kamphues’s website covering his vast Mungo Jerry collection, believed to be the biggest in the world.
It really is something to behold for all Mungo Jerry fans to trawl through.
Rob has literally hundreds of pieces of memorabilia, ranging from vinyl, CD’s, cassettes, 8-tracks, posters, press cuttings photographs and much, much more.
Click HERE to check it out.
Above are two really good interviews that Ray did in 2021 with Nick Prince. Some of you may have already seen them but we hadn’t until now. We thought that they were a must for the website.
JJ in France has tipped us off about a feature about Ray Dorset’s 1972 solo LP, Cold Blue Excursion in the latest issue of Rock & Folk magazine. It is, of course, in French but is a must for all you collectors out there.
JJ can supply copies for 20 Euros and that price includes postage. Just email him @
Check out this video link to a clip of Mungo Jerry playing Long Legged Woman Dressed In Black on TV, featuring John Brunning on lead guitar. (Found by John Hornhaver).
“I have to tell you, every crowd I play The Colour of Love for absolutely LOVES it! From little kids to seniors in their 80s. They all dance, smile and try to sing along, even to my version!”
Gary Strickland, Georgia, U.S.A
SOME NICE COVER VERSIONS
Roel Van Ekeris in Holland has sent in some interesting Mungo Jerry cover versions Just click on the links to view
BABY JUMP
PEACE IN THE COUNTRY
MAGGIE
LIVIN’ AIN’T EASY
SANTO ANTONIO, SANTO FRANCISCO
SANTO ANTONIO, SANTO FRANCISCO
YOU BETTER LEAVE THAT WHISKY ALONE
IN THE SUMMERTIME
THE MIXTURES – IN THE SUMMERTIME
IN THE SUMMERTIME
PROSPECTS
FEELS LIKE I’M IN LOVE
WOODEN HEART
ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT
Here is the interview Toby did for the Keyboard Chronicles. Here, he chats about his time playing with Rialto, Mungo Jerry and The Stranglers and more besides.
Also click HERE to read an interview Toby gave to The Stranglers website where he once again talks about playing with Mungo Jerry.
