Expansion Records

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of "Big City Soul," EXS042 is your destination. The Invitations were a Brooklyn-based vocal group that defined the sophisticated, orchestral sound of New York soul. This 2023 Expansion release is a crucial "correction" of soul history, bringing together two tracks that collectors have been hunting for half a century. The Product: The Invitations – Look On The Good Side / They Say Label: Expansion / Silver Blue Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXS042 Release Year: 2023 Side A: "Look On The Good Side" Originally released in 1974, this is the ultimate "Crossover" soul anthem. It features a relentless, driving beat, a massive brass section, and a lead vocal that is both gritty and soaring. It’s the kind of record that fills a dancefloor within the first four bars. Side B: "They Say" For many, this is the real prize. It is a breathtaking "Sweet Soul" ballad that was previously hidden away on their rare album. It showcases the group’s incredible four-part harmony and the polished production of the Silver Blue label. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Joel Diamond Connection The tracks were produced by Joel Diamond, a mogul who knew how to bridge the gap between "Street Soul" and "Pop Sophistication." The Fact: Diamond was the man who later discovered David Hasselhoff and worked with Gloria Gaynor. His "Silver Blue" production style is legendary for its "Wall of Sound" approach—layering strings and horns to create a massive audio profile that sounds incredible on a club system. 2. The £300 Original Original US copies of "Look On The Good Side" on the Silver Blue label are notoriously difficult to find in "clean" condition. The Figure: A Mint-condition original can easily command £250–£300 ($320–$380). The "Lute" Variation: There is a rarer version on the Lute label that is even harder to track down, making the EXS042 reissue an essential "player's copy" for working DJs who don't want to risk a £300 original on the road. 3. The "Northern Soul" Pedigree While recorded in the mid-70s, "Look On The Good Side" became a staple of the Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca scenes. The Fact: It is classified as "Crossover Soul"—a style that bridges the gap between the 60s 4/4 beat and the 70s disco-funk rhythm. It remains one of the most requested tracks at Northern Soul "Oldies" all-nighters. 4. The First Time on 7" for "They Say" The B-side, "They Say," was traditionally an album-only track. The Rarity: Before EXS042, if you wanted "They Say" on vinyl, you had to buy the full Invitations LP, which itself is a high-ticket item. This Expansion release marks the first time this deep soul masterpiece has been paired with its "big brother" on a 45 RPM single. Technical Specs for Collectors Label Design: Expansion faithfully recreated the Silver Blue "Cloud" label, a design that is iconic among New York soul collectors. Mastering: This release was remastered from the original Silver Blue tapes. The result is a much "wider" soundstage than the original 70s pressings, which were often compressed for AM radio play. Collector's Tip: The Invitations also recorded under the name "The Electric Express" (famous for "It’s the Real Thing"). If you love the driving energy of EXS042, seeking out their Electric Express work is the logical next step for your collection.