The Assembly were a synthpop project formed in 1983 in Basildon, England by:
Feargal Sharkey (songwriting, Vocals)
Vince Clarke (songwriting, keyboards, backing vocals)
Eric Radcliffe (songwriting, production)
Clarke founded The Assembly shortly after disbanding Yazoo with vocalist Alison Moyet, upon completion and distribution of their 1983 album, You and Me Both. The project never became a full-fledged band but resulted in only one single release, the UK hit "Never Never" (which featured a then cutting-edge sampled guitar track triggered note for note on a Fairlight CMI). Former Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey was hired to sing on this track. The other track on the single, "Stop/Start," was an instrumental, featuring Clarke's signature songwriting style with syncopation that gradually becomes the downbeat of the musical phrase. Clarke and Radcliffe had planned to use a different singer on each track, but none were released after "Never Never".
The sound was plumped by the usage of session musician Clem Clempson on electric guitar.
The Assembly marked the most-involved phase of Clarke's long-term professional relationship with sound engineer Radcliffe, who had contributed significant sonic influences to the recordings of early Depeche Mode and Yazoo. Clarke went on to form Erasure with vocalist and co-songwriter Andy Bell in 1985. Although Erasure worked with Radcliffe on some of their early work, they eventually expanded their sonic palette with producers like Flood (aka Mark Ellis). He brought Clarke and his catchy tunes back into the commercial pop limelight for the rest of the 1980s and early 1990s.
"Never Never" was re-released on CD single in 1996 with four tracks, containing both the normal and extended versions of both the title song, and "Stop/Start". The music video for "Never Never" featured on the first Now That's What I Call Music! video in 1983.
7” SINGLE
A side: Never Never
B side: Stop Start
Condition: Near Mint
Sleeve, Excellent
Released on the Mute Label
Date: 1983
Number: 7 tiny 1
All Vinyl played before dispatch to ensure good playback.
If you require further info` contact me.
Record Grading
The grading system I use when determining the condition of the vinyl is The 'Record Collectors' Grading System, taken from the Rare Record Price Guide book.
Mint (M) The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.
Near Mint (NM) The record looks brand new with no scuffing or any deterioration in sound quality and only the smallest hint that its ever been played. The cover and any additional extras are clean, crisp and with no wear whatsoever.
Excellent (EX) The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.
Very Good (VG) The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.
Good (G) The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.
Fair (F) The record is still just about playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
Poor (P) The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
I will not refund you if have not read and understood the grading system I use.
To illustrate my point: if I describe a record as Good (G), it's not brand new or excellent - sound quality has noticeably deteriorated and the cover may be damaged with splits or discoloration.
