As the sun stretches long across a July afternoon, few sounds feel more at home than the breezy optimism of The Lovin’ Spoonful. Their name alone evokes warmth and whimsy—borrowed from Mississippi John Hurt’s cheeky blues tune “Coffee Blues”—and their music delivers just that: a spoonful of joy, nostalgia, and American musical roots.

Formed in 1964 in New York City’s Greenwich Village, the Spoonful emerged from the folk scene with a mission to electrify jug band traditions and bottle the magic of everyday life. Led by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John Sebastian, alongside guitarist Zal Yanovsky, bassist Steve Boone, and drummer Joe Butler, the band quickly became a counterpoint to the British Invasion—offering a distinctly American blend of folk, pop, and rock.

Their breakout hit, “Do You Believe in Magic”, wasn’t just a song—it was a manifesto. With its harmonica sparkle and lyrical invitation to let music lift your soul, it set the tone for a string of Top Ten hits: “Daydream,” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” and the gritty, urban pulse of “Summer in the City.”

But today’s spotlight track—“Good Time Music”—is a lesser-known gem that fits perfectly into your “Laid Back Summer Day” set. It’s a playful nod to the band’s ethos, celebrating the joy of rhythm and melody without pretense. It’s the kind of tune that invites listeners to roll down the windows, kick off their shoes, and let the music do the talking.

Though the original lineup dissolved by 1968, the Spoonful’s legacy lives on. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and founding members Boone and Butler continue to tour, keeping the spirit alive for new generations.

So as Carl Rossi cues up the Softer Side this evening at 5pm, let The Lovin’ Spoonful remind us that sometimes, the best soundtrack for summer is one that’s simple, sincere, and sung with a smile.