Fades in Slowly

Now then, read this very carefully and do as I say. Imagine you’re in a beer garden of a pub next to a canal. Any old pub won’t do, there has to be a canal, and some ducks. It’s very specifically early evening, approaching seven o’clock. It’s July and you’re a little bit sunburnt, but only on your face and forearms. You’re drinking a pint of cider, you just fancied it for a change. Now you’re ready to listen.

Mungo Jerry, would you believe, were awarded Melody Maker’s ‘best new band’ award in 1970, and were counted as one of the five best live bands in the world in 1971. Indeed, Ray Dorset, singer and writer of this marvellous tune, was granted three Ivor Novello Awards as a composer. Should I, therefore, regard this as a guilty pleasure? Let’s face it, it is wonderful even though it’s cheesy beyond belief. Watch this video, firstly for the vintage cars driving past in the background, and secondly for the biggest sideburns in recorded history.

Connection to John Peel?: Yes

Although you’d never imagine in a million years that JP would have played this on his show (you’d be right), he did have the honour of presenting them during a BBC concert performance in 1970. If you don’t believe me, click here.