"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Dayton

Song#:  1111
Date:  07/24/1982
Debut:  87
Peak:  58
Weeks:  7
Genre:  R&B, Funk



Pop Bits:  Taking their name from their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, this band signed to Liberty Records and issued a self-titled debut album in 1980. Neither it or it's follow-up, "Cutie Pie," did much business so they moved on to Capitol Records and handed in the LP "Hot Fun," which featured this single. It was their first to both hit the pop chart and R&B where it reached #17. Although the single would be their only pop chart entry, the LP spawned three more Top 20 R&B singles including "Krackity-Krack," which featured a guest turn by fellow Ohioan Bootsy Collins. The group quietly disbanded after two more albums failed to get any attention.

ReduxReview:  Dayton gives this summer classic (see below) a modern 80s polish and it sounds pretty good. I think they capture the feel and groove of the song quite well and stay fairly true to the material. It's not an outstanding cover, but it is certainly respectable and probably should have done a bit better on the chart.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  This song is a remake of a hit by Sly and the Family Stone. Their original reached #2 pop and #3 R&B in 1969. It's been said the song inspired two other hits - "Misunderstanding" by Genesis (#14, 1980) and "Hold the Line by Toto (#5, 1978).

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