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
Pale Blue Sky
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way I feel tonight?
Don't let go...
It's beautiful tonight
It makes me feel alive
It's beautiful inside
I'm safe here in a pale blue sky
Brighter than the stars
When I catch your eye,
When I catch your eye
When I catch your eye
It's beautiful inside
When our tears subside
It's beautiful inside
The lyrics to Cranes's song Pale Blue Sky captures a sense of wonder and beauty in the world around us. The singer exclaims the incredible way they are feeling tonight, urging their partner not to let go of the moment. This particular night is described as beautiful, a feeling that makes the singer feel alive inside. The repetition of the phrase “It’s beautiful inside” can be seen as a reminder that beauty exists within us, and sometimes we need to take a moment to appreciate that.
The singer finds a sense of safety in a pale blue sky, which can be interpreted as an escape or a peaceful space. This continues the theme of feeling alive and finding beauty within oneself. The sight of the other person's eyes is brighter than the stars themselves, which can be seen as a hyperbole to show the level of admiration and love the singer has towards their partner. The beauty that the singer feels on this night is not just a fleeting moment, as even after their tears have subsided, they are still left feeling the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know...
The way I feel tonight?
Do you understand the depth of my emotions at this moment?
Don't let go...
It's beautiful tonight
Stay with me and appreciate the beauty of this moment
It makes me feel alive
It's beautiful inside
This experience fills me with a sense of vitality and reveals a beautiful inner world
I'm safe here in a pale blue sky
It's beautiful inside
Despite difficulties in the outside world, I feel secure and at peace with myself
Brighter than the stars
When I catch your eye,
When I catch your eye
When I catch your eye
Your gaze illuminates my universe, and I appreciate every moment of it
It's beautiful inside
When our tears subside
Even in moments of sadness or hardship, there is beauty to be found inside ourselves
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LuisB78
Another great classic; the guitars are fantastic in this!
@spinglasshydra
Jim Shaw is a master guitarist, just those first four strums are orgasmic. He's also an expert at Spanish guitar, which is almost impossible to perfect. I'd love for him to collaborate with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins.
@slowdagger3621
Me recuerda la guitarra de inicio un poco a beautiful friend. Fantástico álbum.
@xtiaanday2986
I was all excited it was something new for a minute...
@geburah2
Great!
@hommeboy
interesting