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Michael Wycoff – Looking Up To You / Diamond Real. 7 inch vinyl single record.

Item ID: EXS010
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Gemini said If you are a fan of high-gloss, sophisticated 80s Soul and Boogie, EXS010 is an absolute powerhouse. Michael Wycoff was an incredible pianist and vocalist who emerged from the Los Angeles session scene to record three solo albums for RCA that are now considered holy texts of the Modern Soul movement. This 2018 Expansion release pairs two of his most essential tracks, including one of the most famous "club anthems" of the early 1980s.

Michael Wycoff – Looking Up To You / Diamond Real

Label: Expansion / RCA

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM)

Catalog Number: EXS010 Release Year: 2018

Side A: Looking Up To You

The ultimate "feel-good" anthem. Taken from his 1982 album Love Conquers All, this track features a rolling, melodic piano hook and a bassline that defines the "Two-Step" groove. Michael’s soulful, gospel-tinged vocals lift the track into another dimension. It is a permanent fixture at every soul weekender across the globe.

Side B: Diamond Real

A sophisticated, mid-tempo jazz-soul masterpiece from his 1983 album On The Line. While the A-side is for the dancefloor, "Diamond Real" showcases Michael’s incredible musicianship and vocal range. It is highly prized by purists for its intricate arrangement and polished West Coast production.

Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures

1. The Sample That Defined 90s R&B

"Looking Up To You" is globally famous for being the primary sample for a massive 90s hit.

  • The Figure: It was the foundation for Zhané’s 1993 smash "Hey Mr. D.J." * The Impact: Because of this, the original record became highly sought after by Hip-Hop and New Jack Swing fans as well as soul purists.

2. The 36-Year Wait for a 7-Inch

Despite being a massive club hit on the 12-inch format, "Looking Up To You" was never given a commercial 7-inch release in the UK or the US during the 80s.

  • The Scarcity: Before EXS010, DJs who played 7-inch sets were often forced to search for very rare Japanese pressings or white-label promos. Expansion’s release was the first time this track was available on a high-fidelity, officially licensed 45 for the general public.

3. The "Musician’s Musician"

Michael Wycoff wasn't just a singer; he was a top-tier session player.

  • The Fact: He played piano on Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. You can hear that "Wonder-esque" melodic complexity in the keyboard work on both sides of this 45.

4. The RCA "Black Label" Detail

Expansion utilized the Sony/RCA masters and recreated the iconic RCA Victor black label design from the early 80s, complete with the "Nipper the Dog" logo.

  • The Detail: The mastering on this 45 is exceptionally "hot," specifically EQ'd to make the piano and bass pop on a modern sound system, which can sometimes sound a bit flat on the original 1982 LP.

Technical Specs for Collectors

  • Mastering: Remastered for 45 RPM to ensure the vocal and percussion have maximum "punch."

  • Tempo: Side A sits at roughly 100 BPM, making it the perfect "transition" record to move a set from mid-tempo soul into more upbeat boogie.

Collector's Tip: Michael Wycoff is the perfect partner for Keni Burke’s "Risin' To The Top" (EX7029). If you have these two records in your box, you effectively own the two greatest "Sophisti-soul" basslines of 1982.

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