Expansion Records

Expansion's EX7004 release is a true archeological find. While The Moments (who later became Ray, Goodman & Brown) were chart-toppers with hits like "Love on a Two-Way Street," this 7-inch captures two "lost" masterpieces that were hidden in the vaults for nearly four decades. The Product: The Moments – Sleep Won’t Come / It Don’t Rain In My Backyard Label: Expansion / Stang Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7004 Release Year: 2015 Side A: "Sleep Won’t Come" An incredible slice of mid-70s Modern Soul. This track features the group’s signature three-part harmonies set against a driving, sophisticated rhythm. It captures that perfect "stepping" tempo that has made it an anthem on the modern soul dancefloors of the UK and Europe. Side B: "It Don’t Rain In My Backyard" A soulful, mid-tempo builder that showcases the grittier side of the group's vocal range. It’s a classic New Jersey production—polished yet deeply emotive. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "CD-Only" Vault Escape For years, "Sleep Won’t Come" was a ghost in the machine. The Fact: It was never released during the band's 1970s heyday. It first surfaced as a "bonus track" on the CD anthology Moments To Remember. The Vinyl Debut: Expansion’s EX7004 marks the first time in history these tracks were ever pressed onto a 7-inch vinyl record, fulfilling a 40-year wish for soul purists. 2. The Ray, Goodman & Brown Evolution The lineup on these tracks features the legendary trio: Harry Ray, Al Goodman, and William Brown. The Figure: As "The Moments," they scored 27 R&B chart hits. When they left Stang Records in 1979, they couldn't legally use the name "The Moments," leading to their rebirth as Ray, Goodman & Brown and their massive hit "Special Lady." 3. The Sylvia Robinson Connection The original sessions were produced under the watchful eye of Sylvia Robinson (the "Mother of Hip-Hop" and founder of Sugar Hill Records). The Insight: You can hear the transition in this record from the "Sweet Soul" of the early 70s to the more rhythmic, bass-heavy sound that Sylvia would later use to launch the rap revolution with "Rapper's Delight." 4. Limited Edition Rarity Like many early releases in the Expansion 7000 series, EX7004 was a limited pressing. The Figure: Released in 2015, it sold out almost immediately at specialist soul shops. On the collector's market, it is now considered a "key" release for anyone trying to complete the Expansion 7" catalog, often fetching 2x to 3x its original retail price on the secondary market. Technical Specs for Collectors Audio Source: Expansion worked directly with the Robinson family (who owned the Stang/All Platinum masters) to ensure these were mastered from the original studio tapes. The "DJ Choice": DJs prefer this 7-inch over the CD version because the 45 RPM mastering provides a significantly higher "gain" (volume) and punchier mid-range, essential for cutting through the acoustics of a crowded soul club. Collector's Tip: "Sleep Won’t Come" is often cited by DJs like Richard Searling as one of the best "unissued" tracks of the 70s. If you see a copy with the original Expansion "House" sleeve, grab it—they are becoming increasingly scarce.