Expansion Records

This release is a landmark moment for fans of "The Sound of Philadelphia." While The Spinners (known as the Detroit Spinners in the UK) are one of the most successful vocal groups in history, this specific track remained a hidden treasure for decades. Part of a special 2016 series, SP7-1-2016 finally gave this masterpiece the spotlight it deserved. The Product: The Spinners – Love Is Such A Crazy Feeling Label: Expansion / Atlantic Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: SP7-1-2016 (Special Anniversary Pressing) Side A: "Love Is Such A Crazy Feeling" Recorded during their golden era with producer Thom Bell, this track is the epitome of the "Philly Soul" sound. It features the group’s trademark lush harmonies, a driving rhythmic backbone, and a sophisticated string arrangement that creates a sense of "joyful urgency." It is a quintessential "crossover" track—fast enough for the Northern Soul rooms but smooth enough for Modern Soul fans. Side B: "Don't Let The Finger of Scorn Point At You" A deep, conscious soul track that showcases the group's ability to handle socially relevant themes with poise. It provides a perfect contrast to the high-energy A-side, highlighting the incredible lead vocal range that defined the group's Atlantic years. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Lost" Masterpiece For years, "Love Is Such A Crazy Feeling" was an "album-only" track, tucked away on their 1976 LP Happiness is Being with the Spinners. The Figure: Because it was never released as a 7-inch single during the 1970s, it became a "secret weapon" for UK DJs who would play the LP cut. The 2016 Expansion release was the first-ever official 7-inch pressing of the song, making it an instant "must-buy" for 45-only collectors. 2. The Thom Bell Touch The track was produced and arranged by Thom Bell, the architect of the Philadelphia International sound. The Fact: Bell was famous for using unusual instruments in soul music, such as the French horn and sitar. On this track, you can hear his meticulous attention to the "pocket"—the perfect synchronization between the bassline and the vocal phrasing. 3. The 2016 "Soul Togetherness" Link This 7-inch was released to coincide with the "Soul Togetherness" series, which celebrates the best in soulful dance music. The Scarcity: Expansion produced this as a limited-run anniversary single. Because it features a "big name" artist like The Spinners but a "rare" track, these pressings often disappear from the market quickly into private collections. 4. Philly Soul vs. Motown Grit The Spinners are unique because they had two distinct "lives." They spent the 60s at Motown (where they were underutilized) before moving to Atlantic in the 70s. The Figure: Collectors often debate which era is better, but this specific release (SP7-1-2016) represents their peak commercial and artistic period. At Atlantic, they achieved six Grammy nominations and numerous Gold records, and "Love Is Such A Crazy Feeling" captures that "gold-standard" production quality perfectly. Technical Specs for Collectors Vinyl Quality: This release used a high-definition remastering process. On original 70s LPs, tracks placed near the center of the record often suffered from "inner-groove distortion." By putting this track on a 7-inch 45 RPM disc, Expansion gave it the dynamic range and "punch" it was originally missing. The "Small Hole" Pressing: Unlike many US soul 45s with large holes for jukeboxes, this UK-centric release often features a small spindle hole, signifying its status as a boutique collector's item rather than a mass-produced pop record. Collector's Tip: Keep an eye on the "SP" prefix in the catalog number. This signifies a Special Pressing usually reserved for limited runs or anniversary events, making it a distinct category from the standard EX7 series.