Is there a song that screams summer more than “Summer in the City” by New York natives The Lovin’ Spoonful? Today, as I walked through the blistering summer heat and bathed myself in the hot sun that baked the sidewalk, I immediately thought of the ode to a hot and sticky New York City summer day and smiled. The song is a true classic. Everything from John Sebastian’s excellent voice, to the background city noises, to the repetitive guitar riff that seeps into your head as sweat pours out, meshes perfectly to form a less-than-3-minute gem. It’s a fun song and it’s great to sing along with…especially when you are sweating and burning walking on the same streets that Mark Sebastian was writing about when he penned the song.
And, what’s better on a sunny summer day than a little trivia. Hear the electric piano in the song? The individual who played the electric piano on the Spoonful record is a musician/composer who has done some pretty famous arrangements in his career. Can you name that person? Also, for bonus points, what famous Frankie Valli song did he arrange? Have a good weekend everyone!
The Music Court 
I’ll give you that, but I would also say that summer isn’t complete until you’ve lived through Under The Boardwalk by the Drifters either.
Yeah, I’d certainly agree with that!
This song always reminds me of the blackout riot scene in The Simpsons.
Hahaha. Great episode!
Good question, great song. I could google the answer but that just wouldn’t be fair.