Kenny: The Bump (a-side), Mungo Jerry: Wild Love (a-side)

It was way back in 1974-75 when I was still a scruffy little 11 year old, and still reading "Buster" & "Shiver & Shake" comics that I first experienced the 'school disco'. Every Friday evening at 7 myself and all my friends would boogie on down to our Junior school gym to be put through one and a half hours of the latest and greatest 70's sounds.

Two of the songs that stand out from all the others at these sweaty gatherings were: "The Bump" by a band called Kenny and "Wild Love" by Mungo Jerry. The Bump, because it was always a way to get close to the girls (via the medium of dance) and maybe get to walk one of them home after the disco.

The Bump usually involved 'bumping' your hips together in some strange pre-pubesant mating ritual, where you only succeeded in actually inflicting injury and brusing to both parties.

The other song I remember was Wild Love. This time because the same girls who we tried to dance with during the Bump would put on a Pan's People style dance routine (that had obviously been practiced on in secret) for the benefit of all us boys.

As with most things time colours our perception of the past. Most of these evenings were just an attempt at (out of time) dancing while at the same time trying not to break an ankle in our platforms, or in my case squeeking away on the polished floor in black 'Converse' trainers.

Anyway incase your interested: In 1974 songwriters Bill Martin and Phil Coulter were looking for a group to promote some new songs. One of which was called "The Bump" which had recently entered the charts under the name of Kenny. This was really Coultier on vocals and a remixed backing track from the" Bay City Rollers".

The problem was that they desperately needed a group to be Kenny, and whoever became Kenny would have instant stardom and would appear on UK music show "Top of The Pops".

They agreed and felt that they needed a better lead singer to go with a new image. Therefore Rick Driscoll was recruited as lead vocalist. The Bump reached #3 in the UK in 1974 released on the RAK label.

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Mungo Jerry are an English rock group whose greatest success was in the early 1970s, although they have continued throughout the years with an ever-changing line-up, but always fronted by Ray Dorset.

They are best remembered for their hit "In the Summertime", and they made their national debut at the Hollywood Festival at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire in May 1970, the week "In the Summertime" was released.

The record topped the UK Singles Chart for seven weeks,and made number one in 26 countries around the world. Their second single "Baby Jump" also topped the UK chart in March 1971.

Ray Dorset has received three Ivor Novello Awards as a composer.

is an underated single released in 1973, only reaching #32 in the UK charts. I think it has stood the test of time better than other more successful Mungo Jerry songs.

"Wild Love"

Happy New Year.