The Dynamics and The Royal Playboys. "So Fine" c/w "Delsinia," Reprise R-20,183 (rel. May 1963)
Detroit, Michigan is a motherlode of great Black music. Long before Motown dominated the local scene, a wide swath of musical styles distinguished this Midwest industrial city. From the berserk wonk of Fortune Records to the global popularity of Berry Gordy's all-star line-up, it's one of the richest musical legacies anywhere in the world.
The Dynamics played a minor role in this cast of thousands; they got a couple of small hits, influenced Pete Townsend of The Who and gave hard-hitting live shows to those who lived on their home turf. For their debut disc, first issued on a local label, then picked up by Frank Sinatra's Reprise imprint for wider distribution, the vocal group is joined by white instrumental rockers The Royal Playboys in the true spirit of brotherhood that was present in the musical world of 1963; not so much in mainstream society.
Lorenzo Baker and Fred "Sonny" Campbell co-wrote "So Fine," which bears no resemblance to The Fiestas' 1958 hit of the same name. The Dynamics exaggerated all the aspects of doo-wop (which were out-there on their own). With a blast of nonsense syllables, this murky mover is out of the gate at top speed. Lead vocalist Zeke Harris has a high, hard-hitting voice and blends well with the group's bass singer, whose name I can't pinpoint. The moments here where they sing together are sublime.
The murky production must have baffled Reprise's technical folks; no EQ could defuse the lo-fi, blown-out sound captured on the session tapes. The record didn't chart, but their next single, issued on Big Top Records, got into the pop Top 50 later in 1963.
This side achieved a demented perfection. I'll let it speak for itself. It has much to say!
"Misery" reached $44 on the national pop charts and topped regional playlists in the Midwest. It sold well in the Portland, Oregon area, as copies are common here. Not so for their follow-up single on Big Top, which I own via a damaged copy with an unfixable skip on one side.
The Dynamics soldiered on and got into the Memphis soul scene in the later 1960s. They scored with "The Ice Cream Song." The resultant album, First Landing, sold well and featured some star session players from the local soul scene. A version of the group still exists and performs in public.
My first impression instantly of "So Fine" was surf music but done as a doo wopper. The Beach Boys released "409" (as in 'She's real fine, my 409') in June 1962. So I'm thinking the Dynamics must have heard the hit "409" and put their spin on it. To me, one can point to 1960's Beach Boys' harmonies as a progression from 1950's doo wop harmonies. Jus' sayin'. "Delsinia" is wonderful doo wopper. That soprano yodel at the beginning and some of its music reminds me of the Tokens' 1961 hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts about "So Fine" and "409", Bill! And when I heard "Delsinia" the Tokens' "Lion" popped into my head as well. Enjoyed hearing both of these cuts, Frank, and also dug the Dynamics' "Misery" when I checked it out on YouTube.
ReplyDeleteThey're a great group.I wish my 45 of the follow-up to "Misery" didn't have that sang skip in it, as both sides are solid pieces of soul.
DeleteAnd I found Bill's analogy fascinating. A bunch of white kids influencing Black vocalists? No reason that couldn't happen. These regional groups did riff off of recent hits in the hope that they might connect with a mainstream audeince. Sometimes it worked!