This six-track EP helped bridge the gap between the April 1988 release of The Innocents and the October 1989 release of Wild! "Stop!" and "Knocking on Your Door" (both heard in original and 12" remix versions) were typical hi-NRG Erasure tracks, with driving dance beats and forceful tenor vocals by Andy Bell, but they did not embrace the broader pop audience the group had reached with the 1988 singles "Chains of Love" and "A Little Respect." "She Won't Be Home" was a Christmas song, reflecting the seasonal release of the EP in November 1988 in the U.K. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
The EP appeared in several different versions. The original UK release by Mute Records consisted of four original, self-produced tracks. In the UK, where EPs are eligible for the singles chart, it became one of Erasure's most successful releases, matching the number two peak of 1986's "Sometimes."
In the U.S., Crackers International was still considered an EP, although two remixes were added (bringing the tracklist count to six) when Sire Records released it. In the U.S., where EPs chart on the Billboard 200, it hit number seventy-three. The song "Stop!" was also released as its own stand-alone single in the U.S., just barely making an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 (number ninety-seven). On the U.S. Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart "Stop!" / "Knocking On Your Door" peaked at number four as a double-sided entry.
Additionally, a version of the EP was released in the UK by Mute Records in a very limited-edition, seasonal pressing, titled Crackers International Part 2. Released originally in 12" vinyl with extended versions of "Stop!" and "Knocking On Your Door", both remixed by Mark Saunders, it also added the Christmas standard "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". It was subsequently released as a 3-inch compact disc containing the original 7" versions of "Stop!" and "Knocking On Your Door" (also of note is the fact that there were two different versions of the single mix of "Stop!", one with a fade, and a slightly longer one with a 'cold' ending).
Track listing
all tracks written by Clarke/Bell
7": Mute / Mute 93 (UK)
"Stop!" (fade ending) - 2:55
"Knocking on Your Door" - 2:57
7": Mute / E Mute 93 (UK)
"Stop!" (fade ending) - 2:55
"The Hardest Part" - 3:40
"Knocking on Your Door" - 2:57
"She Won't Be Home" - 3:28
7": Sire-Reprise / 22879-7 (US)
"Stop!" (7-inch version) - 2:55
"Ship of Fools" - 4:01
"7-inch version" same as "fade ending"
also released on MC (22879-4)
12": Mute / 12 Mute 93 (UK)
"Stop!" (cold ending) - 3:03
"The Hardest Part" (12" version) - 5:07
"Knocking on Your Door" (12" version) - 3:59
"She Won't Be Home" - 3:28
also released on 3" CD (CD Mute 93)
12": Mute / L12 Mute 93 (UK)
"Stop!" (mark saunders remix) - 5:47
"Knocking on Your Door" (mark saunders remix) - 6:07
Sanctuary - the EIS Christmas Concert 2002·Hits! the Videos·The Tank, the Swan and the Balloon·Great Hits Live - Live at Great Woods·The Erasure Show - Live in Cologne·On the Road to Nashville·Live at the Royal Albert Hall
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