Expansion Records

The 2023 release of "Promise Me" by Dayton on Expansion Records (catalogue number EXS043) is a masterful pairing of two tracks that define the "80s Boogie" and Modern Soul era. This seven-inch single brought together these two fan favourites for the first time on one disc, catering to a new generation of collectors who find the original pressings increasingly elusive. The Release Details Format: 7" Vinyl, 45 RPM. Release Date: 1 September 2023. Side A: "Promise Me" (4:02). Side B: "Eyes On You" (3:48). Why This Record Is Significant Expansion Records specifically chose these versions to offer collectors the most "dancefloor-friendly" takes on these songs: A Vinyl First: "Promise Me" (from the 1983 album Feel the Music) is presented here as the full extended album version on a seven-inch single for the very first time. The Rare Edit: The B-side, "Eyes On You," is the original 1980 seven-inch length version. Original copies of this single on United Artists are now considered quite rare and can be rather costly. The Ohio Connection: The label also produced a "Demo" version of this 45, featuring the signature Expansion yellow and white label, which pays homage to the classic promotional discs of the early 1980s. About Dayton Founded in 1980 by David Shawn Sandridge in Dayton, Ohio, the group was a spin-off of the legendary funk band Sun. The Musical Evolution: Their sound evolved from the organic, percussion-heavy funk of their self-titled 1980 debut (which features "Eyes On You") into the polished, synthesizer-led boogie sound of the mid-80s. The Rahni Harris Influence: By the time "Promise Me" was recorded in 1983, the group had been joined by the multi-instrumentalist Rahni Harris, who was instrumental in crafting their most successful UK hit, "The Sound of Music." The Sound "Promise Me": A smooth-as-silk boogie groover with a distinctive saxophone line and lush vocal harmonies. It is often cited as one of the finest examples of the "sophisticated soul" sound that dominated the early 80s. "Eyes On You": A more driving, organic funk track that showcases the group’s tight rhythm section and David Shawn Sandridge’s masterful production.