A look at the story behind one of my all-time favourite tunes, includes details of how it originated with John Sebastian's brother, how they got that drum sound and where those construction sound effects in the middle of the song came from. Also fun to note how much money it makes those associated with it, since it's become a summertime perennial on oldies stations and TV commercials.

"It feels delicious [to hear the song played every summer says Sebastian.] It means a certain 77-year-old guy doesn’t have to be quite as urgent to take gigs where people hold up iPhones instead of listen…"

The article also references how a substitute keyboard player changed the sound of the song and the real reason why the group broke up soon after the tune hit, because of the surprising fallout from a marijuana drug bust. 

The Making Of… “Summer In The City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful