City Newspaper Archives - 7/2007
The Dynamics "First Landing"
Hacktone Records
Published by Frank De Blase on Jul 11, 2007
The Dynamics sang some seriously sweet Motown soul, but manager Ted White wanted to add some heat. He had seen what happened when Aretha Franklin (his wife at the time) cut her "Never Loved A Man" in Memphis. This was 1969 and the musical identities in American cities were more acute, more intact. So when White dragged this quartet with its smooth harmonies, urban tack, and Motor City muscle down to Memphis for a little southern-fried grit, a new level of soul was born.
For the most part "First Landing" is still an underground platter (why exactly is beyond me). The smooth 'n' sexy "The Ice Cream Song" was the only cut to crack the Top 20, but from start to finish this record is the kind of soul and r&b that brought folks to their feet and to their knees to begin with. A great record for that time at the party where the lights go dim and Phase 2 of the come-on commences.
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