This Corrosion (single)
The single was launched in advance of The Sisters of Mercy's second album Floodland
and reached number 7 in the UK Charts.
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 for the UK issues was definitely September 14th, 1987. SPEX being a German music mag, will have considered the release date for continental Europe, instead.
Releases
As a matter of fact, discogs lists fifteen 12"-singles, twenty 7"-singles, three CD-singles and three cassette-singles, a total of 41 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 |
| Merciful Release | MR 039 | 14 September 1987 | UK | 7" single |
| Merciful Release | MR 039 B | 14 September 1987 | UK | 7" - Box Set |
| Merciful Release | MR039 T | 14 September 1987 | UK | 12" Single |
| Merciful Release | MR 039 CD | 14 September 1987 | UK | Gatefold CD-single |
| Merciful Release | MR 039 C | 14 September 1987 | UK | Cassette |
| Merciful Release / WEA | MR39T, 248216-0 | 21 September 1987 | UK | 12" Single |
| WEA | 248 217-7 | 1987 | Europe | 7" |
| Elektra | 90-66790 | 1987 | USA | 12" |
Remarks
- Run out: "I'll be picking up your petals in another few hours..."
- Cassette has also been issued as a Special Edition
Tracks 7"
Tracks 12"
- This Corrosion - 8:37
- Torch - 3:50
- Colours - 7:13
Tracks Cassette
Line up / Recording Personnel
- Patricia Morrison - Bass
- Andrew Eldritch - Vocals
- Doktor Avalanche - Drums
- Jim Steinman - Production
- Larry Alexander - Additional Production
| This page is Work in Progress and going to be extended as soon as ever possible |
Additional Pictures
- More to follow soon -
Merciful Release / WEA 12" Single
