Expansion Records

If you are a student of soul music, the name David Ruffin is synonymous with the very soul of Motown. While he immortalized "My Girl" with The Temptations, his solo work in the late 1970s reached a level of sophisticated "Modern Soul" that few could match. EX7038 is a vital release because it unearths two tracks from his 1979 self-titled album—a period where Ruffin’s gritty, tortured vocals met the high-gloss production of the disco-soul era. The Product: David Ruffin – I Wanna Be With You / I Can’t Stop The Rain Label: Expansion / Warner Bros. Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7038 Release Year: 2018 Side A: "I Wanna Be With You" A mid-tempo masterpiece of late-70s soul. This track captures Ruffin at his most charismatic. It features a driving, rhythmic bassline and a lush arrangement that provides the perfect canvas for his signature rasp. It has become an "essential" play in the UK Modern Soul scene, particularly for those who love the "Two-Step" groove. Side B: "I Can’t Stop The Rain" For many, this is the definitive solo Ruffin track. It is a deep, atmospheric builder with a haunting melody. It showcases the raw emotional power that made him one of the greatest singers in the history of R&B. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Post-Motown" Renaissance After leaving Motown, Ruffin signed with Warner Bros., a move that many thought would end his career. The Fact: In reality, his 1979 album (produced by Don Davis, the man behind Johnnie Taylor's "Disco Lady") is now considered one of his finest works. The Figure: Because these tracks were released during the height of the Disco boom, Warner Bros. focused on LPs and 12-inch singles. This Expansion release marked the first time in decades that these specific tracks were available on a high-fidelity 7-inch 45 RPM. 2. The Don Davis Production The production on EX7038 is legendary. Don Davis was the master of the "Detroit-via-Memphis" sound. The Nuance: He brought a grit to the Warner Bros. sessions that had been missing from Ruffin's later Motown years. The "punch" of the drums and the clarity of the backing vocals are hallmarks of the Davis production style. 3. "I Can’t Stop The Rain" – The Cult Classic While "I Wanna Be With You" is the dancer, "I Can't Stop The Rain" has achieved legendary status among Rare Groove and Modern Soul purists. The Impact: It is often cited as one of the best "rain" songs ever recorded, used by DJs to create an intense, moody atmosphere on the dancefloor. 4. The 2018 "Sold Out" Phenomenon Like many releases in the EX7000 series, EX7038 was a limited run that catered specifically to the 45-rpm DJ market. The Scarcity: Ruffin’s name carries immense weight, but it was the rarity of these specific tracks on 7-inch that caused it to sell out rapidly. Market Value: Clean copies now trade for £30–£50 on the secondary market, as it is considered the definitive "DJ choice" for these tracks. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the Warner Bros. master tapes. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its exceptional "vocal presence"—Ruffin's voice sounds intimate and powerful, as if he is standing in the room. The Label: The record features a beautiful recreation of the Warner Bros. "Burbank" (Palm Trees) label, a design that is iconic for late-70s soul collectors. Collector's Tip: David Ruffin's 1979 work is often compared to the work of his brother, Jimmy Ruffin, during the same period. If you love the sound of EX7038, you should also look for Jimmy Ruffin's "I'm Jealous," which shares a similar sophisticated Detroit soul energy.