They’re a wonder hit wonder band, but what a hit it was!
It was late in 1967 when the Human Beinz landed the charts with a rollicking cover of “Nobody But Me,” which was originally recorded by the Isley Brothers. The Youngstown, Ohio band’s version of the song peaked at No. 8 nationally and needless to say, transformed them into instant stars.
Piloted by droves of danceable rhythms, shouting choruses, an insistent hook and a scorching guitar solo, “Nobody But Me” proved to be an immediate attraction and can regularly be heard on vintage radio stations throughout the world today. Truly an unforgettable tune.
By no means an overnight sensation, the Human Beinz had been working their fannies off for a couple of years prior to their ascent into the limelight. The band had cut a handful of singles for various independent labels until finally catching the ear of Capitol Records, where their big break occurred. Initially billed as the Human Beingz, their name was misspelled when Capitol signed them, and from then on they were the Human Beinz.
Anyhow, Garage Days Vol. 1 yields a batch of previously unissued tracks the Human Beinz laid down before “Nobody But Me” awarded them fame. While a loose and youthful exuberance does trim the material, the band was actually a touch more polished and together than the standard garage rock combo. A well versed act, the Human Beinz dipped their fingers in an olio of genres, and did so with verve, confidence and a knowing wink.
Some of the songs included on Garage Days Vol. 1 are treatments of Donovan’s hippy dippy “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” Booker T. and the MGs’ cool and catchy instrumental “Time is Tight,” and a punchy Paul Revere and the Raiders medley featuring “Hungry,” “Just Like Me” and “Kicks.” The Human Beinz also pay tribute to the Supremes on “You Keep Me Hanging On,” along with the Young Rascals on “Come On Up” and “Ain’t Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore.” A dash of soul, a pinch of flower power, a teaspoon of pop and a full serving of straight on rock and roll cement the sound and style of the band.
Fun and frisky, Garage Days Vol. 1 is a nice audio snapshot of a fine band that really should have traveled a lot farther on the airwaves than they did. The two albums the Human Beinz recorded for Capitol, Nobody But Me and Evolutions are highly recommended as well. But that’s another story for another time …
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I use to have the “Nobody but Me” single on Capitol and our garage band wanted to do the song but the driving bass line was too much for us to handle at that time!
I have two questions for you. Around the same time “Gloria” by the Shadows of Knight was on the charts (early 1966) in Boston, there was a Hammond organ instrumental by a Jack E. Lee. I forget the title and can’t find anything to download by the name! Any ideas?
Also, I’m looking for the single by The Fastest Group Alive (Valiant Records) called “Bears” which was later done by Quicksilver Messenger Service. This was one of the many single shot recordings that Davie Allan (& the Arrows?) put out during the sixties. He is more known for his fuzz tone motorcycle movie soundtracks for Mike Curb! Even he doesn’t know where I could find it!