Take it from me: Anytime you have a task that doesn't seem like it's going to be something you'll enjoy, do NOT, as Julie Andrews advised, "take a spoonful of sugar." Who literally pours sugar in a spoon and eats it?!

What I suggest, on the other hand, is to cue up an Earth, Wind & Fire greatest hits compilation. Not only does the supremely gifted funk act "make the medicine" of your chore "go down in the most delightful way," but you'll dance like a maniac the whole time.

In fact, I recently replaced the hydraulic system on a submarine at 600 fathoms deep from OUTSIDE the vessel, holding my breath — and yet it was a blast because I was grooving the whole time to EW&F!

Here's an ideal situation: catch Earth, Wind & Fire Friday in the Mohegan Sun Arena. Core members Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson still front the band — and it'll be excellent. No submarine maintenance or spoonfuls of sugar required!

Earth, Wind & Fire, 8 p.m. Friday, Mohegan Sun Arena; $47-$67; www.mohegansun.com.