The Sisters Of Mercy - Light And Shadow

Light And Shadow is a highly sought-after unofficial compilation that provides an intimate look at the evolution of The Sisters of Mercy during their most fertile creative period. Primarily sourced from the legendary Strawberry Sessions in 1984, the record captures the band in the midst of crafting their debut album, First and Last and Always. These are not merely rough takes; they are "alternate visions" of classic tracks, featuring different lyrics, skeletal arrangements, and a raw, atmospheric energy that was often polished away in the final major-label production.

The collection is prized by devotees for its inclusion of tracks like "First And Last And Always" and "Black Planet" featuring their original working lyrics (often referred to as the "Marian" and "Dance on Glass" versions). It also boasts rare demo versions of "Garden of Delight"—a track that would famously be re-recorded by The Mission—and the band's brooding, industrial-tinged covers of Bob Dylan’s "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and Hot Chocolate’s "Emma." These recordings highlight the chemistry of the classic Eldritch/Hussey/Adams/Marx lineup, showing the band at their most experimental and uninhibited.

Released on various limited vinyl colors, including Transparent Purple Marble, Transparent Grey, and Solid Black, the 2017/2023 pressings by Swingshift Records have become staples of the Sisters' "underground" discography. Despite its unofficial status, the sound quality is noted for being surprisingly crisp, sourced from high-quality studio tapes rather than audience recordings. For the completist, Light And Shadow is more than a curiosity; it is a vital companion piece that reveals the "shadow" versions of the songs that defined a generation of dark alternative music.