In 1989 George Harrison released the compilation ‘The best of The dark horse 1976-1989’ and included was the Traveling Wilburys sounding single ‘Cheer Down’. The sound is not the only thing in common, the artwork was designed by the same actor (Wherefore Art?) for both projects. Maybe their influence was one of the reasons why George followed The Wilburys’ decision to release this 3″ single. ‘Cheer Down’ (W2696CD) is a fold out sleeve like ‘End of The Line’.
The Traveling Wilburys also urged for the 3″ format releasing all official singles from ‘Vol 1’ that way:
• ‘End of the line’, “3 inch CD single” (W7637CD)
• ‘Handle with care’, “CD3” (9277322)
• ‘Heading for The light’, (9212652)
I like the logic that a single should be physically smaller than an album. That goes for vinyl and of course that should be the case for cd’s as well, the record companies thought. So during a few years by the late 80ies and early 90ies this cute mini standard was in fashion. (In retrospect most formats seem to have been in fashion during that period by the way.) At least four of Macca’s singles from the 1989 ‘Flowers in The Dirt’ album was released in the baby single format – a format that passed under serveral different names;
• ‘My Brave Face’, “3” CD-single” (CDP 560-2033583)
• ‘This One’, “Maxi CD” (CDP 560-2034463)
• ‘Figure Of Eigth’, “3” Maxi-CD” (CDP 552-2036533)
• ‘Party Party’, “3” CD single” (CD3R 6238)
Blast from the Past 