PRODUCT DETAILS
Sourcing rare records to reissue can involve meticulous research and years of digging, but then occasionally, Lady Luck smiles upon you. We probably would have never heard of the Medium Wave Band if Gary from Mr Bongo hadn't known Wolverhampton-based record dealer, Steve Ward. Whilst offering Gary some records for sale, he remembered he had a spare copy of an old 7" single that he thought Gary might like. Steve didn't know much about the release, and it had never sold on Discogs. Looking at the record itself, it was minimalist in appearance and information, there wasn't much to go on other than that it was from the Birmingham area. The mystery drew us in... The A-side, 'So Tender', is a late-night, jazzy slow-jam, with beautifully sultry, soulful female vocals which sounded vaguely familiar. On listening to the B side, 'Games (Instrumental)', you are rewarded with a superb example of Britfunk / independent UK jazz-funk. The pulsating, bass-led dancefloor groove and sensibility is a sound reminiscent of productions usually found on labels such as Elite, but the 7" was not released on a label, it was a private press by the band themselves. So who are the enigmatic The Medium Wave Band? After some fruitful internet digging and correspondence, we got the answers. The band lineup featured Elliot Browne on guitar (lead & rhythm), Ron Lyseight on guitar (rhythm), Andrew Proverbs on keyboards, Tony Peart on drums, Paul Snook on bass, Linton Levy on saxophone, and surprisingly, the beautiful vocals we had been enjoying were those of Jackie Graham, aka the hugely successful UK vocalist, Jaki Graham. Maybe best known for her pop hit with David Grant, 'Could It Be I'm Falling In Love', but also featuring on the cult classic track 'Fire In My Heart' by Escape From New York. Influenced by artists and bands including George Benson, Ronnie Laws, Weather Report, George Duke, Azimuth and Chick Corea to name a few, the guys booked into a studio near the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham and recorded the two tracks that make up this 7". Only 200 copies of the original 7" were ever pressed and were sold mostly in Birmingham at Summit Records by the band's friend DJ Frenchi, as well as at live shows. Despite it's limited distribution channels, the record received solid support from fans and those in the music industry, including Morgan Khan of the influential record label, Street Sounds. DJ and journalist, Lindsay Wesker, reviewed the release and this led to the band travelling to London for several radio interviews. They played live shows across the country, including at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's in London, and supported both Shakatak and Weapon of Peace in Birmingham. Thanks to all those involved bringing this release into fruition and for solving the mystery behind a wonderful Britfunk and UK soul record that could have otherwise been lost in the mists of time.
Tracklist:
- So Tender
- Games (Instrumental)
UPC: 5024017006089
Label: Mr Bongo
Release Date: 12.6.24
Format: 7 Inch Vinyl Single
SHIPPING & RETURNS
SHIPPING
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RETURNS
- Change your mind? No problem: No nonsense 30-day return policy on all domestic orders.
- Read our full return policy.
PRODUCT REVIEWS
ABOUT US
For over 10 years, Pale Blue Dot Records has shared and supported your love of vinyl records. We are an independent online record store located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and we’re passionate about music, the vinyl community, and doing our part to protect the environment. Learn more about us here.
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By far, my favorite shop to buy from! Always quick with the delivery! Love tyler the creator and I've been searching for this specific vinyl at a good price!
package shipped well. there was a fragile sticker on the box which was nice, most places don’t put that and vinyls get damaged. package arrived in perfect condition.
Good packaging, product was in good condition and showed up on time great album no problems with any of the vinyls either very happy with it.
I am a huge Bob's Burger Fan and found this album as I was browsing the website. I had to get it immediately. I can believe I came across this on a random Tuesday. Can't thank coming across pale blue records enough. And the delivery is super fast. Can't wait for my next purchase.
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Perfectly packaged, no warping, clear sound. Will definitely purchase from Pale Blue Dot Records again.
I ordered this on Friday later in the day and Tuesday morning it was at my doorstep. Insanely fast shipping and came in PERFECT condition. i’ve been looking everywhere for this edition and so happy it came back in stock. Thank you Pale Blue Dot Records!!!! 🩷🩷
Would definitely buy from Pale Dot Records again. The delivery was fast and the records sounds great!
Purchased as a Christmas gift for my 29 year old son. Can't wait for him to open. Packaged with care and timely shipping. Positive experience!
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We received our vinyl fast, it was fairly price, and they had a great selection to choose from. One record we purchased had an issue on the track, and the owner was quick to resolve the issue for us. I’ll be purchasing all of our records from this store moving forward!
The records and the sleeve are really nice. Pacific Dot Records blew me away with shipping it out like, immediately after I ordered it. Arrived well protected and perfect. No complaints.
fast shipping, great communication, and awesome staff. very responsive with messages too. can’t wait to purchase from them again
Records arrived inside the special record boxes, unopened, and in pristine condition. They didn't very long to begin the shipping either. Some places make you wait 3-5 days just to have it shipped out. They did not.
This is not about the product. I've ordered from PBD before and the Vinyls that come from them are wonderful and pressed really well!
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USPS seemed to have goofed around a bit and cause a delay of about 1.5 weeks. Tristan was a highly communicative person and was reassuring with the options I had regarding if my order never arrived. Good sense of humor, accountability, and customer satisfaction. The Sweetwater of vinyl shops. Officially my vinyl go to!