The Dynamics “Ain’t No Love At All” b/w “What Would I Do” (Promo Copy)
Out of Detroit, Michigan, this week I have for you The Dynamics with “Ain’t No Love at All, and it’s a toe-tapper of the highest order.
The Dynamics formed in the early 60s, and they had their first hit with 1963’s “Misery.” That song would soon be…ahem…re-interpreted by The Who (still The High Numbers at that point) for their first single, “Zoot Suit.” It’s not technically stealing if you’re English and go on to have huge hits (it’s what I like to call the “Led Zeppelin Rule”).
Big ol’ just kidding there.
Okay, let’s get back to The Dynamics. They were still performing and trucking along when, in 1969, they released their first LP First Landing, a pun title most likely very much intended (once you get it, you’ll get it). It’s an outstanding record that does a great job of bridging the lush, sweet sounds of 60s soul with the smoove groove of the 70s. The album’s standouts include “Too Proud to Change,” the lead track “I Don’t Want Nobody to Lead Me On” and “I Want to Thank You.”
Cotillion Records
But for my money, it’s our A-side single, “Ain’t No Love at All” that’s tops here. It’s a song that’s trying real hard to be a ballad, but just can’t help dancing. The sprightly main guitar melody pleads while it exalts. The strings subtly swell to fill the space. The expertly recorded background vocals are haunting as they are hopeful. The drums snap and swing with a growing syncopation as the song builds. But it never quite reaches the climax. That’s okay though, because with a track like this, it’s really about the journey.
