Expansion Records

If you are a fan of the transition from Philly Soul to Disco, EX7028 is an essential piece of history. Linda Clifford was the crown jewel of Curtom Records (the label founded by Curtis Mayfield), and she possessed a voice that could handle gritty blues and high-gloss dancefloor anthems with equal power. This 2018 Expansion release pairs two of her most sophisticated tracks from the late 1970s, showcasing her as a premier stylist of the Modern Soul era. The Product: Linda Clifford – Runaway Love / (It’s) You Label: Expansion / Curtom Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7028 Release Year: 2018 Side A: Runaway Love A "Crossover" masterpiece. Taken from her 1978 album If My Friends Could See Me Now, this track is famous for its mid-tempo, driving rhythm and Linda’s defiant, soulful delivery. It sits perfectly at the intersection of Northern Soul and early Disco, making it a massive favorite at the Blackpool Mecca and in the "Modern Soul" rooms of the UK. Side B: (It’s) You A beautiful, melodic soul dancer. While the A-side is the club anthem, "(It’s) You" showcases the "Sweet Soul" influence of the Chicago scene. It features lush orchestration and a vocal arrangement that highlights Linda’s range and emotive power. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Gil Askey Connection "Runaway Love" was produced and arranged by the legendary Gil Askey. The Fact: Askey was a Motown veteran who worked closely with Diana Ross. He brought that cinematic, high-budget "superstar" sound to Linda’s Chicago sessions. The Figure: You can hear the Motown influence in the horn stabs and the way the strings swell behind Linda’s voice, a signature of the "Uptown Soul" sound. 2. The 7-Inch Rarity While "Runaway Love" was a hit on the 12-inch format, original US 7-inch stock copies on Curtom are surprisingly difficult to find in pristine condition. The Issue: Because the song was nearly 10 minutes long on the LP, the original 1978 7-inch was a heavily edited version. The Expansion Difference: EX7028 features a remastered edit that preserves the "punch" of the rhythm section, ensuring it sounds massive on a modern sound system compared to the sometimes "thin" original radio edits. 3. The "Two-Step" Anthem In the UK, "Runaway Love" is revered as a Two-Step classic. The Impact: Its tempo (approx. 96 BPM) and steady, hypnotic beat make it the ideal record for the synchronized dancing seen at soul weekenders. It is one of those rare tracks that can unite a room of 60s purists and 80s boogie fans. 4. The "Curtom" Aesthetic Expansion took great care to recreate the Curtom Records look. The Detail: The record features the iconic yellow and orange Curtom label with the "stylized C" logo. For many collectors, the Curtom logo is a "seal of quality" for independent Chicago soul. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original Curtom/Warner master tapes. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its "bass-forward" EQ, which is essential for bringing out the intricate bassline that drives "Runaway Love." Market Status: Like most in the EX7000 series, this was a limited run. It has become a "must-have" for DJs who want a reliable, high-fidelity copy of this track without the surface noise common on vintage 70s pressings. Collector's Tip: "Runaway Love" is the perfect track to bridge a set between The Jones Girls and Gwen McCrae. If you are looking for more Chicago-produced greatness, keep an eye out for EXS004 (Crystal Motion), which shares that same "Windy City" soul DNA.