- Proof: Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime,” The Beach Boys “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” Sly and the Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime”
True life: I listen to my “liked” songs on shuffle instead of making custom playlists. I know, I know, I said I’m a music nerd—and I stand by that! I just tend to listen to artists by album, along with my Discover Weekly playlist that Spotify creates. So, my liked songs offer a healthy mix of genres and artists, so much so that I skip the self-curation. That said, the only themed playlist I’ve ever made was a summer one, so I know a fan when I see one.
Her Barefoot Contessa Beach Party playlist is…kind of epic. Between on-the-nose picks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys and “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters, there are some absolute bangers that signal someone who only needs a whisper of warm weather to kick into summer gear.
“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry? A hippie anthem that every former flower child (a leap, I know) could never grow tired of. “Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly & the Family Stone (RIP, king) was released just before their famed Woodstock performance. It wasn’t part of their set, but my girl was 21 at the time, and with her beau in Vietnam, I imagine she took some comfort—and party inspo—from the peace-and-love subculture. (I see you, “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.)
And don’t even get me started on her Road Trip playlist, which has a throwback thumbnail graphic complete with notably groovy text and includes Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Donovan and the Beatles. This is absolutely someone who’s her flirtiest, most fun self when the sun comes out in full force, and you can’t convince me otherwise.
For teenage me (and even as a young 20-something) though, summer is above all the season of love, and I’m guessing Ina agrees. Can’t you see her digging her toes into the Hamptons sand to “Maneater” while young Jeffrey fumbles with a packed-to-the-gills cooler that Ina is legally not allowed to carry in his presence? (And “Sweet Little Sixteen” by Chuck Berry?! Scandalous, Ina!)