I've always been a big fan of bargain records. Partly because I'm a bit of a cheapskate and partly because I still believe even in this day and age of the vinyl information superhighway you can find decently priced under the radar gems, it might just take a bit longer to do it. Sometimes these are records that no one knows about, sometimes they're records that I think there were just too many pressed of at the time they were released and sometimes it's because the treasure lies on B-sides or remixes hidden way on records that you probably wouldn't normally look twice at.
In an attempt to prove my theory I've selected ten records below that you can get your hands on for under a tenner (as defined by the mean price on Discogs at the time of writing).
So here it is - the Dubwise vinyl Ten For A Tenner. A selection that will not only be good for your record collection also your bank balance.
Sinéad O'Connor – I Am Stretched On Your Grave
I totally missed this record when it first came out in 1990 which is maybe no surprise as I'd only just entered my teenage years and was probably still listening to Iron Maiden at the time. It's a fascinating record as it's a very early examples of trip hop (that even predates Massive Attack's Blue Lines) by an artist that was not really associated with the genre. It's also a deceptively simple song consisting of not much more that Sinead's vocals over the James Brown Funky Drummer break. But when you have voice like that you really don't need much more.
Palm Skin Productions – The Beast (Autechre Remix)
Staying on a trip hop tip is this monster remix on James Lavelle's iconic Mo Wax label. Whilst I was (and still remain) a big fan of Mo Wax I think it is fair to say that quite a bit of their output does sound a little bit dated nowadays. However I often find the carefully curated remixes that Lavelle commissioned have actually often faired the test of time much better and this spookily eerie remix from the mighty Autechre is certainly a fine example of that.
Mark Stewart & Maffia – This Is Stranger Than Love
Kind of amazed more people don't know about this one. Bristol post-punk legend Mark Stewart reworks Erik Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1" with Adrian Sherwood at the mixing desk. It's the dub that's the one for me which, if Discogs is to be believed, is from none other than fellow Bristolians and trip hop OGs Smith & Mighty (which when you listen to it you can well believe - it's beautiful!). Released on the iconic Mute records in 1987. All round a lot of my musical heroes involved on this one.
Blue – Circle Line
Originally released as a 10" on Weatherall's Emissions Echoic label this is a lovely slice of classic early 90's ambient dub. The original mix is great but it's the mix on the flip from legendary Bradford dub experimentalist Rootsman that's the winner for me adding in some beautiful vocals and synths that just take the whole thing to the next level.
ISAN – A Gentle Man
Stunning tune that caught my attention in a mix I was listening to earlier this year (thank you AEHutch) which I then went on to discover was found on the B-side of a 7" I was able to procure for less than £2 which made me very happy indeed. Ambient leaning late 90's IDM of the highest order as featured in my Ambient Dubwise 7" mix. Had to upload this one to YouTube myself which is generally a good sign.
Rah Band - Is Anybody There?
I was introduced to this one by Richard Fearless who I run HOLY with where it's become a regular play. A devilishly funky and dubby leftifeld dancefloor bomb dating back to 1978 that you can pick up for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.
UB40 - Gator
I have actually considered writing a list about UB40 B-side bangers as there are a surprisingly large number of them out there and if I ever get round to it this one would be right at the top. A somewhat unexpected synthy electro-dub instrumental found on the flip of their "Homely Girl" single from 1989. Pretty sure if you played this out no one would guess it was UB40 and also pretty sure if you saw it in the bargain bins you'd skip past it but definitely worth further investigation.
Grace Jones - Love You To Life (Digital Mystikz Remix)
Another fascinating and somewhat unexpected record here. A remix of Grace Jones by dubstep heroes Digital Mystikz that was released on "big-beat" label Wall Of Sound as part of Record Store Day in 2010. And interestingly it doesn't really sound how you might expect it to... With its low slung bassline it taps into Grace's golden era of early 80's Compass Point Sly & Robbie productions and probably shares as much with the post-punk-funk sound as it does with dubstep. If you're digging this you might also want to check out the Grace Jones dub LP Wall of Sound put out a year later in 2011 which sadly doesn't qualify here due to our budget constraints (current asking prices on Discogs appear to be hovering around the £500 mark.... )
Yazz – Fine Time (Sound Iration Version)
This whole record absolutely fascinates me. Released in 1989 on legendary UK indie dance label Big Life (home to De La Soul and a whole host of other 90's icons) it was a top 10 follow up to to Yazz and Coldcut's massive number 1 smash "The Only Way Is Up". In contrast to the pop-dance of her previous releases this is a slice of slow and soulful lovers rock which in its extended 12" version (in authentic reggae discomix fashion) runs straight into a deejay version by Colonel Mite (who was a big toaster on the 80's sound system circuit releasing records on the legendary Jah Tubby's label amongst others). But what's maybe even more surprising is when you flip it over there's a full on dub version by Sound Iration, a.k.a. UK dub legend Nick Manasseh, which feels a bit like getting Jah Shaka to remix the Spice Girls. It's a great dub too and the record is still dirt cheap. Another great example of one you probably wouldn't look twice at if you saw it in a second hand record shop but is actually well worth your attention (and maybe even worth forking out a couple of quid to purchase it).
Marcia Griffiths - Everywhere
Marcia Giffiths covering Fleetwood Mac. What's not to like?
There is a YouTube playlist available that includes all these selections.
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