Expansion Records

f you are a devotee of the Roy Ayers production school, EX7037 is arguably the most essential 7-inch in the entire Expansion catalog. Eighties Ladies was a vocal group project masterminded by Ayers on his Uno Melodic label, serving as a platform for the incredible vocals of Sylvia Striplin, Marva Hicks, and Denie Corbett. This 2018 release is a "double-headed monster," pairing the group's two most iconic tracks that defined the transition from Jazz-Funk to the 80s "Boogie" era. The Product: Eighties Ladies – Turned On To You / Ladies Of The Eighties Label: Expansion / Uno Melodic Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7037 Release Year: 2018 Side A: "Turned On To You" A "Rare Groove" anthem of the highest order. It features a hypnotic, walking bassline, Roy Ayers’ signature atmospheric vibraphone, and a breezy, effortless vocal harmony. It is the definition of "Summer Soul"—mellow, sophisticated, and perfectly paced for the "Two-Step" dancefloor. Side B: "Ladies Of The Eighties" A more uptempo, funky celebration of the era. It leans into the boogie-funk sound with synthesized bass flourishes and a driving rhythm. It’s a high-energy counterpart to the A-side that perfectly captures the optimism of the early 1980s NYC soul scene. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Roy Ayers "Vibe" This wasn't just a group Roy Ayers produced; it was essentially his "Ubiquity" band with a female vocal front. The Fact: The tracks were co-written and produced by James Bedford, a key member of Ayers' inner circle. The Figure: You can hear the same production DNA found on Sylvia Striplin’s solo work (EXPAND116). The "Uno Melodic Sound" is characterized by a specific airy, open-room recording style that makes these tracks sound timeless. 2. The £500+ Original LP Eighties Ladies only released one album, Ladies of the Eighties (1980). The Figure: Original US pressings of the LP are among the most expensive "Major-Minor" label soul records in existence, often selling for £400–£600 ($500–$750). The 45 Rarity: While "Turned On To You" had a rare US 7-inch release, it is nearly impossible to find in clean condition. EX7037 provided the first affordable, high-fidelity way for DJs to own these tracks on 45. 3. The Hip-Hop Sample Heritage Like much of Roy Ayers' work, "Turned On To You" has been a goldmine for producers. The Connection: It was most famously sampled by The Beatnuts ("Props Over Here") and Hieroglyphics. This cross-genre appeal means that when you play this 45, it resonates with Soul purists, Jazz-Funk fans, and Hip-Hop heads simultaneously. 4. The "Expansion" Quality Control Expansion took great care in recreating the Uno Melodic aesthetic for this release. The Detail: The label features the iconic blue-and-black Uno Melodic logo. Because Expansion worked from the original master tapes, the 45 RPM cut has a "snap" to the drums and a clarity in the vibes that is often lost on the original 1980 LP pressings, which were sometimes plagued by surface noise. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Remastered for 45 RPM to emphasize the bass and percussion. The 7-inch version of "Turned On To You" is a slightly tighter edit than the LP version, making it punchier for radio and club play. Tempo: Side A sits at a comfortable 94 BPM, making it the "Gold Standard" for mid-tempo Modern Soul sets. Collector's Tip: "Turned On To You" is often the "bridge" record DJs use to move a set from 70s Soul into 80s Boogie. If you have this in your box, you should also look for EX7020 (Sylvia Striplin - Give Me Your Love) to complete the Uno Melodic power-set.