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Margie Joseph – Prophecy / Medicine Bend. 7 inch vinyl single record.

Item ID: EXUMG04
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If EXUMG09 (David Ruffin) is the king of mid-70s male soul, then EXUMG04 features the undisputed queen of sophisticated crossover. Margie Joseph was often compared to Aretha Franklin, but her Atlantic years—specifically her work with legendary producers in the mid-70s—gave her a smooth, "Uptown" sound that became a blueprint for the Modern Soul scene.

Margie Joseph – Prophecy / Medicine Bend

Label: Expansion / Atlantic (Universal Music Group)

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM)

Catalog Number: EXUMG04 Release Year: 2017

Side A: Prophecy

A breathtaking mid-tempo masterpiece. Taken from her 1974 album Sweet Surrender, this track is a masterclass in atmospheric soul. It features a rolling, hypnotic rhythm and Margie’s effortless, velvety vocals. In the UK, it is a "Blue Chip" Modern Soul anthem, prized for its sophisticated groove and emotional depth.

Side B: Medicine Bend

A funky, driving Southern Soul dancer. While the A-side is the "floater," Side B showcases Margie’s roots in the Mississippi/Memphis sound. It’s a high-energy track that works perfectly for DJs looking to shift the tempo without losing the soulful grit.

Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures

1. The Arif Mardin Touch

"Prophecy" was produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, the man behind the sound of Chaka Khan and the Bee Gees.

  • The Fact: Mardin used the same elite New York session players who worked on the most iconic Atlantic records of the 70s.

  • The Figure: You can hear the "expensive" production values in the string arrangements and the perfect separation of the instruments. This is why the track sounds so timeless on a modern club system.

2. The 43-Year Wait for a 45

"Prophecy" was a massive album track but was never issued as a commercial 7-inch single in the UK or the US during the 70s.

  • The Scarcity: Before EXUMG04, collectors were forced to carry the Sweet Surrender LP to gigs just to play this one track.

  • The Expansion Debut: This 2017 release marked the first time this track was available on an officially licensed, high-fidelity 7-inch 45 RPM.

3. The "Crossover" Hall of Fame

"Prophecy" is frequently cited as one of the greatest "Crossover" tracks of all time.

  • The Impact: It sits at a perfect tempo (approx. 92 BPM) that bridges the gap between the 60s Northern Soul scene and the 80s "Two-Step" movement. It is one of the few records that is universally respected by every faction of the soul community.

4. The Atlantic "Green and Red" Aesthetic

Expansion utilized the UMG partnership to recreate the iconic Atlantic Records label from the mid-70s.

  • The Detail: The design is historically accurate to the year the track was recorded (1974), satisfying the aesthetic cravings of vinyl purists who want their reissues to look like "lost" originals.

Technical Specs for Collectors

  • Mastering: Expansion worked from the original Atlantic/Universal master tapes. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its "bottom-end" warmth—the bassline on "Prophecy" is significantly more prominent here than on the original LP pressing.

  • Market Value: Because this was a limited run in the EXUMG series, it has become a "deleted" item. Mint copies now regularly trade for £25–£40 on the secondary market.

Collector's Tip: "Prophecy" is the ultimate "atmospheric" starter for a set. If you are playing a set that includes Dionne Warwick’s "Move Me No Mountain" (EX7032), these two records together create the perfect "Sophisti-soul" mood.

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