MUNGO JERRY/YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE ARMY DNLS 3028 (-71) INDIA

The band's third album. In style, arrangements and songwriting very much reminding of the former two (see earlier posts). A happy-go-lucky blend of skiffle, jug-band and rock'n'roll coming through simple and direct. Some parts posing as sloppy and garageish, though those are probably planned and not mishaps. On one hand you could call it humdrum for the similar chord buildings and likewise vocals, but on the other it sure is a happy album filled with good will and positive energy and listening now I can't help smiling. Favorite tracks - "Pigeon Stew", "Give Me Love", "Northcote Arms" and "Keep Your Hands Off Her". I probably wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't for this special Indian release, but now I'm glad I did. And it is lovely to have on the old style Stateside label with the exclusive sleeve design - later changed to the more common "hefty lady" one. Seems to have been issued and reissued on vinyl, CD or 8-track pretty much all over the world through the years, except US and Canada. Premiere UK on Dawn (DNLS 3028). Japan 2018 CD (Wasabi Records WSBAC-0091) came with four bonus tracks. First Indian had label as shown here on thick unflexible vinyl in a thin glossy cover. (ÄZÄ*)