Expansion Records

Side A: "How Can I Go On Without You" A masterclass in mid-70s sophisticated soul. Produced by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy (the team behind Natalie Cole and Ronnie Dyson), the track features a driving, rhythmic bassline and a soaring, emotive vocal. It’s a "crossover" track that works as well in a Northern Soul room as it does in a late-night disco set. Side B: "Your Love Is Like A Boomerang" An uptempo, funky soul dancer. While the A-side gets the glory, the B-side is a high-energy "stomper" that captures the relentless drive of the Chicago-to-LA soul sound that dominated the mid-70s. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Sylvester" Identity For years, soul purists debated who "Corey Blake" actually was. The Fact: Research into the Capitol vaults and session notes confirmed that Corey Blake was a pseudonym for the high-energy disco icon Sylvester. The Figure: Recording under a different name allowed him to explore a more traditional "soul man" vocal style that differed from his later flamboyant disco persona, making this record a vital "missing link" in his discography. 2. The £100+ Original Original US copies of this 7-inch on the Capitol label (1975) are notoriously difficult to find in clean condition. The Figure: Before the Expansion reissue, an original stock copy could easily cost £100–£150 ($125–$190). The Rarity: The record was largely overlooked in the US upon release, meaning most surviving copies were promos sent to radio stations, which were often played until the grooves were grey. 3. The "Crossover" Anthem "How Can I Go On Without You" is a permanent fixture in the Modern Soul canon. The Nuance: It sits at that perfect "Modern" tempo (approx. 112 BPM). In the 1980s, UK DJs like Ian Dewhirst and Colin Curtis broke this record to a new generation of dancers, turning a forgotten US flop into a UK soul classic. 4. The Jackson & Yancy Production This record carries the same high-production values as Ronnie Dyson’s "All Over Your Face" (EX7002). The Fact: Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy were the architects of this specific "sophisticated-but-funky" sound. Their use of orchestral swells over a rock-solid rhythm section is why this record sounds so "big" on a club sound system. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original Capitol/UMG master tapes. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its clarity, particularly in the string arrangement which can sound "muddy" on inferior bootlegs. The Label: The record features a beautiful recreation of the Capitol "Yellow/Orange" target label from the mid-70s, maintaining the authentic look of a 1975 original. Collector's Tip: If you enjoy the production on EXS028, you should also look for EX7002 (Ronnie Dyson). Both records share the same production DNA and represent the absolute pinnacle of mid-70s major-label soul.