Expansion Records

While the 7XE series is usually reserved for "unissued" vintage masters (like the Simpson Uniquity tracks we discussed), 7XE007 is a special exception. This release represents a bridge between the classic soul era and the modern-day "Soul Renaissance," featuring one of the most powerful voices in contemporary R&B: Cornell C.C. Carter. This 2017 release on Expansion became an instant "Modern Soul" classic, proving that the "Detroit Sound" is still very much alive and well. The Product: Cornell C.C. Carter – Where Do We Go / Maybe Label: Expansion / 7 Days of Soul Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: 7XE007 Release Year: 2017 Side A: "Where Do We Go" A sophisticated, mid-tempo masterpiece. This track features a "stepping" rhythm that perfectly mirrors the 1970s Philly and Detroit grooves. Cornell’s vocals are rich, velvety, and carry an effortless authority that many compared to a young Bobby Womack or Narada Michael Walden. Side B: "Maybe" A deeper, soulful builder that showcases Cornell’s incredible range. While the A-side took the club world by storm, the B-side solidified his reputation as a serious "soul man" for the purists who value vocal arrangement and emotive storytelling. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Record of the Year" Status In 2017, "Where Do We Go" didn't just bubble under the surface—it exploded. The Figure: It was voted the #1 track of the year on various UK Soul charts and was a permanent fixture on the Solar Radio and Mi-Soul playlists. The Impact: It is rare for a "new" artist to achieve "staple" status in the Northern Soul/Modern Soul boxes alongside legends from the 60s and 70s, but 7XE007 achieved it almost overnight. 2. The Narada Michael Walden Connection Cornell C.C. Carter isn't a newcomer; he has a high-pedigree background. The Fact: Cornell spent years as a backing vocalist for the legendary producer/drummer Narada Michael Walden (the man behind hits for Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin). The Figure: You can hear that "super-producer" influence in the production of 7XE007—the drum snap is crisp, and the vocal layering is professional-grade, standing head-and-shoulders above many independent soul releases. 3. The "7XE" Series Pivot Originally, the 7XE prefix was used for Dave Simpson's archival finds (the Simpson Uniquity series). The Fact: Expansion decided to use this "boutique" catalog prefix for Cornell to signal that this wasn't just another modern R&B record—it was a record with the "soul DNA" of the vintage masters. The Scarcity: Like the archival 7XE releases, this was a limited pressing. It sold out at most UK specialists (like Soul Brother Records) within weeks of its release. 4. Market Value and Appreciation Because it became a "modern anthem," the demand for the vinyl 7-inch has remained high even as the track became available digitally. The Figure: While it originally retailed for around £10, clean copies now regularly trade for £25–£40 on the secondary market. It is widely considered the "entry point" for any collector wanting to bridge the gap between vintage and contemporary soul. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: The mastering on 7XE007 is exceptionally "hot." It was EQ'd specifically for the UK soul club circuit, ensuring the bassline drives through the mix without muddying the vocal. The Label: This release features the signature 7XE "Yellow Label" design, which gives it the look of a 1960s "DJ Promo" or a rare unissued master, a clever nod to Cornell's timeless sound. Collector's Tip: Cornell C.C. Carter went on to release the album Vinton, which contains this track. However, for the true "Modern Soul" experience, the 45 RPM single is the preferred format for the punchier audio and the "one-after-the-other" flow of a DJ set.