Expansion Records

If you’re a fan of Northern Soul with a heavy "Detroit" influence, EXS045 is a piece of soul history that was nearly lost to time. Pete Warner is one of those elusive artists whose career was brief, but whose output has become a staple for collectors who crave that authentic, high-energy 1960s sound. This 2023 release from Expansion Records brings a "lost" masterpiece back to the turntables. The Product: Pete Warner – I Just Want To Keep On Loving You / I Do Love You Label: Expansion / Polydor Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXS045 Release Year: 2023 Side A: "I Just Want To Keep On Loving You" A stunning, uptempo Northern Soul dancer. Originally released in 1967, it captures the era perfectly with its driving rhythm, crashing tambourines, and Pete’s powerful, soulful delivery. It’s the kind of record that defines the "Four-to-the-Floor" beat that keeps dancefloors packed at 3:00 AM. Side B: "I Do Love You" A deeper, more melodic track that showcases the "Sweet Soul" side of Pete Warner. While the A-side is all about energy, the B-side is about the vocal arrangement, featuring lush harmonies and a classic 60s orchestral backing. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Cover-Up" Classic Like many of the best Northern Soul tracks, "I Just Want To Keep On Loving You" was a secret weapon for decades. The Fact: Top DJs in the 70s and 80s would often "cover up" the label on this record, playing it under an assumed name to prevent rivals from finding out what it was. This exclusivity helped turn the record into a cult legend. 2. The £400 Original Original US pressings of this record on the Polydor label (1967) are incredibly scarce. The Figure: Because Pete Warner didn't achieve mainstream success, very few copies were pressed. A clean original 45 can easily fetch £400–£500 ($500–$630) on the collector's market today. The Expansion Solution: EXS045 provides the first high-quality, officially licensed reissue in years, allowing DJs to play the track without risking a half-thousand-pound original. 3. The "Big City" Production The record was produced in New York, but it was designed to compete with the Motown sound coming out of Detroit. The Nuance: It features a "Wall of Sound" production style—multiple layers of horns and strings that give the track a massive audio profile. This scale is why it sounds so imposing and impressive on large club sound systems. 4. Pete Warner’s Mystery Pete Warner remains one of the more mysterious figures of the 60s soul era. The Fact: He recorded very little after his Polydor stint, making every track he touched highly collectible. His "lost" status only adds to the allure of this specific 7-inch release. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion worked with the original Polydor/Universal masters. This reissue is noted for its "brightness"—the high-end percussion and horns have been sharpened to ensure they cut through the acoustics of a modern soul hall. The Label: The record features a faithful recreation of the 1960s Polydor "Red" label, complete with the vintage font and layout, satisfying the aesthetic cravings of vinyl purists. Collector's Tip: "I Just Want To Keep On Loving You" is often played alongside tracks by artists like The Precisions or The Jive Five. If you are building a "60s Stompers" box, this record is a mandatory "power play" for your peak-time set.