Expansion Records

If you are a collector of Northern Soul, EXS005 is a record that represents one of the most famous "crossover" stories in the history of the scene. Joanie Sommers was a popular 1960s pop singer (famous for "Johnny Get Angry"), but this specific release captures her 1966 foray into the "Big City" soul sound of New York. This 2018 Expansion release finally made an elite, multi-thousand-pound rarity accessible to the frontline DJ. The Product: Joanie Sommers – Never Throw Your Dreams Away / You’ve Got Possibilities Label: Expansion / Warner Bros. Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXS005 Release Year: 2018 Side A: Never Throw Your Dreams Away A quintessential 1960s Northern Soul "Stomper." It features a massive, driving orchestral arrangement, crashing percussion, and Joanie’s powerful, clear vocal. The track has that distinct "Wigan Casino" energy—high BPM, optimistic, and built for a wooden dancefloor. Side B: You’ve Got Possibilities Originally from the Broadway musical It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman, Joanie turns this into a sophisticated, mid tempo jazz soul number. While the A side is for the dancers, the B side showcases her incredible vocal versatility. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The £2,000 "Stock Copy" Rarity The original 1966 US release on Warner Bros. is one of the most difficult records to find in its "Stock" (yellow/orange label) format. The Figure: While white label promos exist, a clean "stock" copy is a major trophy for collectors, often fetching £1,500 to £2,000 ($1,900 to $2,500). The Rarity: The record was not a commercial hit upon release, meaning most copies were destroyed or never left the warehouse. 2. The "Cover Up" Legend Like many Northern Soul classics, this track was a secret weapon for decades. The Fact: In the 1970s, DJs would play this record with a blank label or under a different name to prevent others from finding out it was a Joanie Sommers pop record. The Irony: It took years for the scene to accept that a mainstream pop singer had recorded one of the greatest "underground" soul dancers of all time. 3. The 52 Year Wait Before EXS005 was released in 2018, there had never been an official, high quality reissue of this track on a 7 inch single. The Impact: Collectors either had to pay thousands for an original or settle for poor quality "bootleg" pressings that lacked the punch of the original orchestration. Expansion utilized the original Warner master tapes to ensure the sound was as intended in 1966. 4. The "Big City" Orchestration The track was recorded in Los Angeles but aimed for the New York "Wall of Sound" style. The Detail: You can hear the influence of producers like Phil Spector and Bert Berns in the way the brass and drums are layered. This "thick" sound is exactly what Northern Soul dancers look for in a peak time record. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: This 45 RPM cut is noted for its "brightness." The tambourines and snare hits—essential for Northern Soul dancing—are crisp and cut through even the most difficult room acoustics. The Label: The record features a beautiful recreation of the 1960s Warner Bros. "Gold" label, making it look authentic in any vintage 60s record box. Collector's Tip: "Never Throw Your Dreams Away" is a high energy record (approx. 135 BPM). It is the perfect track to play right before a "Classic" like The Tams or The Chiffons to keep the momentum of a Northern Soul set at its peak.