This Corrosion (single)

This Corrosion - Artwork for 7" and 12" Single

The single was launched in advance of The Sisters of Mercy's second album Floodland

and reached number 7 in the UK Charts.

Quote from SPEX - Issue January 1988 -Prinz der Feuchgebiete (German):

"The single was released on 18 September 1987. Each format (7 inch, 12 inch, CD and cassette)
contained a different mix of the song, a fact that Eldritch explained this way: "Originally, I only
wanted the long version, for me the song had to be this way. But the record company vetoed that,
so I spent a weekend at the mixing desk. I liked the three minute edit the best, then I thought I'd
do another one at mid-length. The LP mix is the same as the 12 inch version, it just fades out a
bit earlier. The cassette version is different again cos Jim insisted on doing an edit of his own.
He's more into little bits and pieces."

As we have been confirmed through thorough research from the fanbase, the release date of
the UK issues was September 21st, 1987 and September 30th 1987, respectively. SPEX,
being a German music mag, will have considered the release date for continental Europe, instead.

Some interesting remarks on this question can be found here in this post @The Heartland Forums.

Releases

As a matter of fact, discogs lists sixteen 12"-singles, twenty 7"-singles, three CD-singles and three cassette-singles, a total of 42 editions all released in 1987, omitting the 2015 re-release contained in the Floodland Vinyl Reissue (4xVinyl Box). Anyway, we're not gonna list all these editions here, also due to the fact that more than 10 of them are Promos or Test Pressings and some are obviously noted twice in that list (nonetheless, we're gonna elaborate the table below a bit further, asap).

Label	Catalogue#	Date of Release	Country	Format	Remarks
Merciful Release	MR39	21 September 1987	UK	7" Single	The original Merciful Release pressing comes in a paper sleeve with top opening and a wide thumb hole.
Merciful Release	MR39 T	21 September 1987	UK	12" Single	Here too, the original Merciful Release pressing comes in a paper sleeve with top opening and a wide thumb hole.
Merciful Release / WEA	MR39T, 248216-0	21 September 1987	UK	12" Single
Merciful Release	MR39 C	21 September 1987	UK	Cassette
Merciful Release	MR39 B	30 September 1987	UK	7" - Box Set
Merciful Release	MR39 CD	30 September 1987	UK	Gatefold CD-single
WEA	248 217-7	18 September 1987	Europe	7"
Elektra	90-66790	1987	USA	12"
Elektra	9 69434-4	1987	USA	Cassette

This page is Work in Progress and going to be extended as soon as ever possible

Contents of This Corrosion 7" Box Set

Remarks

Run out: "I'll be picking up your petals in another few hours..."

Cassette has also been issued as a Special Edition

Tracks and Track Times

Song	7" Single	12" Single	Cassette Single	CD-Single
This Corrosion	4:24	8:37	3:59	11:15
Torch	3:50	3:50	3:50	3:50
Colours	---	7:13	4:16	4:15
This Corrosion (extended)	---	---	5:16	---