"This is not an exhaustive list, but is some things that have been made available over the last year that I'm sure many people will have missed. Some of these releases are VERY rare, but they are out there..........I've purposely only mntioned releases that included new material, and not multiple formats of singles etc.
This was a promotional CD that was sent to hundreds of radio stations, magazines and some shops in the UK and is notable mainly for the demo version of NOT ONCE NOT EVER that is unavailable elsewhere. However, Dubstarphiles should seek out the mispressing of this CD, as it includes demo versions of STARS and DISGRACEFUL instead of the album versions. This error was only discovered after many were mailed out, but unfortunately there is no way of knowing whether you have the correct or incorrect pressing from the cover or the CD label itself.
This was widely available for a time in the UK, and I know that some copies have made their way to Australia and the US as well. Although expensive, this CD is worth checking out as it includes acoustic versions of NOT ONCE NOT EVER, STARS and ELEVATOR SONG, as well as DON'T BLAME ME (originally the b-side to ANYWHERE), IF IT ISN'T YOU (b-side to NOT SO MANIC NOW) and WAY OUT WEST mixes of STARS and NOT SO MANIC, both of which are Sarah's favourite Dubstar remixes. The acoustic tracks were the first recordings Dubstar made in their own studio in Newcastle and were originally intended to be released as an EP in their own right, with and orchestral version of DAY I SEE YOU AGAIN included as well. This didn't happen, so this is the only place that these recordings are likely to appear. [NOTE: July 97, the acoustic versions of Not Once Not Ever, Stars and Elevator Song were released on the NO MORE TALK single]
Includes a more upbeat version of STARS by MOTHER that did not make it to the commercial release. There are also two extra versions by the RAPINO BROTHERS that did not make it to release. This pack currently sells for around £10 as there are only 2000 in existence.
Again includes a more upbeat version of MANIC by MOTHER that did not make a commercial release and fetches similar prices to the STARS double pack.
This version of the album can still be found in the UK if you search for it, and is notable mainly for the remix CD that comes free with the original album. This CD includes around twenty minutes if incidental music supplied by STEVE HILLIER, as well as remixes of NOT ONCE NOT EVER and DISGRACEFUL that are unavailable elsewhere. However, Dubstarphiles should be aware that the musical style is very different to the original album (being a mixture of dance versions of the songs and quite bizarre ambient linking passages), but is an interesting footnote to Dubstar's debut album nonetheless. The vinyl version comes with a full colour book of ROB STEELE's artwork, but is very hard to come by and contains none of the linking passages that are found on the CD. This limited edition was the only time DISGRACEFUL was available on vinyl.......
Unusual track that appeared on this popular CD magazine. Originally available on GEAR by THE JOANS (Dubstar's previous incarnation without Sarah), this track was recorded as part of the b-side sessions for the single release of ELEVATOR SONG.
With a nice picture of Sarah on the cover, this cd came free with FUTURE MUSIC magazine. Although the cd does not include any new DUBSTAR material, there are twenty odd samples that Steve and Chris prepared for exclusive use of the readers. Interestingly, several of these samples ended up on the STEVE HILLIER version of NOT ONCE NOT EVER from the remix album, and Dubstarphiles should note that some of the samples display the rather 'off-beat' sense of humour that the band has ( a side to them not often seen by the public)!
THE JOANS were an early incarnation of DUBSTAR without Sarah and with STEVE singing. Available only on cassette, this album was widely available in the north-east of England at the time, and includes versions of POPDORIAN, IF IT ISN"T YOU, DISGRACEFUL and NOT SO FAST. Reviews at the time were variable, with one journalist saying 'The Joans have no idea who they are and what they want to be. I would not be surprised if we did not hear from them again'! Sound quality is not brilliant, but a copy in good condition with the original artwork has recently been advertised for sale for £10. Some copies were sprayed gold; hand done by the band (but for no particular reason!).
This cassette was mailed out to over three hundred venues across Britian to help promote three north eastern bands ( HELICOPTER, THE NICE PEOPLE FROM STRAIGHTSVILLE and THE JOANS). Notable mainly for the song BROWNMOUTH, which will appear on the next DUBSTAR album retitled as IT"S CLEAR. These were the last recordings made by THE JOANS before Sarah joined and DUBSTAR was born. Also, the version of IF IT ISN'T YOU differs quite dramatically from that on GEAR. Obviously, this cassette is very rare but definitely does exist in a student union cassette cupboard somewhere near you.
LIVE LUST was a series of releases that the ARENA nightclub in Middlesbrough made in 1993 to promote their night called 'LUST' that Steve DJ'ed at. Consisting entirely of demos of local bands, THE JOANS' contribution was a very early version of ELEVATOR SONG recorded with original bass player GAVIN LEE. This cassette was widely available in the north east at the time and retailed for £1.50, so it should be reasonably easy to locate.