The band released their first album on vinyl, Self Non Self in July 1989. The intensity of that album garnered very good reviews and caught the attention of John Peel, who picked up on the album right away, with the group recording a session for him in the album's first week of release. Shortly afterwards they signed to the label Dedicated (which also became home to Spiritualized and Beth Orton) and went on to record their EP "Espero" in 1990, with the album "Wings of Joy" following a year later. The release of "Wings of Joy" caught the attention of Robert Smith of The Cure who picked the Cranes to open for them on their world tour in 1992. They then went on to record the albums "Forever" (1993), "Loved" (1994), "La Tragedie d'Oreste et Electre" (1995), and "Population Four" (1997).
After a 4 year break, Cranes re-emerged on their own independent label Dadaphonic to release "Future Songs" (2001) and "Particles & Waves" (2004), which saw the band heading in a more electronic direction while retaining the trademark sound of previous releases. In January 2007 the band released a download only album, "Live at Amsterdam Paradiso," originally recorded in 1991. The show captures the darker, heavier days of the early Cranes and is available only via www.dadaphonic.co.uk.
In 2008 Cranes albums "Wings of Joy', 'Forever' and 'Loved' were re-issued by Cherry Red Records, www.cherryred.co.uk as part of their series of 'influential artists' re-releases.
In October 2008 Cranes released their self titled album 'Cranes', to which they did a supporting tour. After that there was the odd performance here and there up until 2012 after which Cranes fell silent again.
In 2022 they re-emerged with several newly opened social media accounts to which the purpose soon became clear: Cranes have reformed in their original nineties line-up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the "Forever" album with some gigs in the UK (see events) and they are currently rehearsing.
In June 2023 they also released a 'new' album: their previously unreleased "Peel Sessions 1989-1990" which you can get on their Bandcamp site (see Linktree below) both digitally and on CD/Vinyl.
Current members
Alison Shaw – vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar (1985–1997, 2000–present)
Jim Shaw – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums (1985–1997, 2000–present)
Mark Francombe – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, spanner (1989–1997, 2022-present)
Matt Cope – guitar (1989–1997, 2022-present)
Former members:
Kevin Dunford – lead guitar (1988–1989)
Paul Smith – guitar, keyboards (1995–1997, 2000–2012)
Manu Ross – drums (1996–1997)
Ben Baxter – bass guitar (2000–2012)
Jon Callender – drums (2000–2007)
Jon Mattock – drums (2008–2012)
Cranes official Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cranesofficial
In The Night
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As we melt away
And all the angels did weep
As we fall away
Hold my hand as we fall
I'll love you anyway
Kiss me just once again
And I'll be on my way
The lyrics of "In The Night" by Cranes is a touching song which speaks about the emotions of two individuals who are parting ways, probably for the last time. The first line, "Soft tears fall in the night" sets the tone of the song as melancholic and tender. The metaphor of the night represents the darkness and sorrow that both of them are going through at the moment. As they melt away, they are leaving behind a part of themselves which was once shared together. It's a bittersweet farewell to their past, their memories, and the love they once shared.
The second line "And all the angels did weep," creates a peaceful and emotional atmosphere with the metaphorical image of the angels crying. This line suggests that what they are going through is a significant moment, possibly something divine that has touched their lives in one way or another. The following line, "As we fall away" implies that the moment is imminent, and their love will no longer exist as it used to. The rest of the lyrics then offer comfort and assurance that they would always love each other, no matter what. The final line, "Kiss me just once again and I'll be on my way," exposes that the story is ending, but leaves the listener with a sense of hope and closure.
Line by Line Meaning
Soft tears fall in the night
Gentle drops from my eyes fall in the night
As we melt away
As our souls merge and dissolve into each other
And all the angels did weep
All the celestial beings shed tears for us
As we fall away
As we depart from this world
Hold my hand as we fall
Please don't let go of my hand as we leave this place
I'll love you anyway
No matter what happens, my love for you will remain unchanged
Kiss me just once again
Bestow upon me one last kiss
And I'll be on my way
Then I'll embark on my journey to the other side
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt
Lost gem. Were the songs or bands from the 1998 wicked soundtrack ever played on the radio or well known