Expansion Records

If you are a student of the Detroit Soul sound, EX7015 is your textbook. Ronn Matlock was a titan behind the scenes at Motown and beyond, but his solo output was tragically slim. This 2016 Expansion release features two tracks from his legendary (and only) 1979 album, Love City. For collectors, this 7-inch isn't just a record; it’s a high-fidelity rescue mission for one of the most sophisticated voices in soul history. The Product: Ronn Matlock – You Got The Best Of Me / I Got High On Your Love Label: Expansion / Cotillion Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7015 Release Year: 2016 Side A: "You Got The Best Of Me" The definition of "Modern Soul." This track is a masterclass in the "Detroit-to-NYC" crossover sound of the late 70s. It features a rolling, mid-tempo groove, a lush string arrangement, and Matlock’s smooth-as-silk baritone. It is an "anthem" in the truest sense of the word, filling dancefloors at soul weekenders from Prestatyn to Blackpool. Side B: "I Got High On Your Love" A deeper, funkier cut that showcases Matlock's grittier side. While the A-side is pure "Sophisti-soul," the B-side leans into the boogie-funk era with a prominent bassline and a rhythmic energy that made it a "sleeper hit" for Rare Groove DJs. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Songwriter to the Stars" Pedigree Ronn Matlock was far more famous as a writer than a singer during his lifetime. The Fact: He co-wrote the stone-cold classic "7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (Blow Your Whistle)" for the Gary Toms Empire and worked extensively with The Detroit Spinners. The Figure: His songwriting credits appear on millions of records, but his solo LP Love City sold poorly upon release, leading to its current "Holy Grail" status among collectors. 2. The £150 Original LP Because Love City was Ronn's only album and had a limited pressing on Cotillion, original copies became a primary target for the UK's Rare Groove and Modern Soul scenes in the 80s and 90s. The Figure: A clean original US pressing of the LP can easily command £100–£150 ($130–$190). The 45 Advantage: While "You Got The Best Of Me" did have a rare US 7-inch release in 1979, finding a copy that isn't worn out or "cue-burned" from radio play is nearly impossible. EX7015 provides a pristine, remastered alternative. 3. The Michael J. Powell Connection The tracks were produced by Michael J. Powell, the man who would later go on to produce Anita Baker’s multi-platinum Rapture album. The Sound: You can hear the "Anita Baker blueprint" in the production of "You Got The Best Of Me"—the clean separation of instruments, the warm bass, and the focus on an intimate, powerful vocal performance. 4. The 2016 "Instant Sell-Out" When Expansion released EX7015, it became one of the fastest-selling 45s in their history. The Scarcity: It was released at a time when the "Modern Soul" scene was experiencing a major resurgence. Within months of its release, it was already trading for double its retail price on Discogs as collectors realized it was the definitive way to play the track out in a club. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original Atlantic/Cotillion master tapes. The 45 RPM cut on EX7015 has a noticeably higher "bottom end" than the original LP, making the bassline on "You Got The Best Of Me" resonate much more effectively on modern club subwoofers. The Label: This release features the classic Cotillion "Blue and Orange" label design, meticulously recreated to satisfy the aesthetic demands of soul purists. Collector's Tip: Ronn Matlock's voice is often compared to a mix between Teddy Pendergrass and Lou Rawls. If you're a fan of that "Big Voice" soul style, this record is the cornerstone of that sound for the late-70s era.