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
Reverie
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clouds go floating by
For a while
I see your smile
For a while I go high...
For a while I see your smile
Just for a while
I go high . . .
Now we fall in sleep
Ever lost you know
I could cry, in your eyes
I could cry, when we try
I could die in your smile
I could cry in your eyes
Makes me happy
I go high . . .
I go high
I go high
In Cranes's song "Rêverie," the opening line "Opening my eyes" portrays the singer as just waking up and being in a dreamlike state. The next line "Clouds go floating by" suggests that the singer is staring up at the sky and watching the clouds pass by, causing a sense of wonder and peacefulness. The following line "For a while, I see your smile" indicates that the singer is reminiscing about a past relationship and experiencing a fleeting moment of happiness, as they can visualize their loved one's smile. The repetition of "For a while" emphasizes the temporary nature of this feeling, creating a bittersweet tone.
The second verse shifts to a more melancholic tone with the line "Now we fall in sleep." It suggests that the singer is struggling to let go of their relationship and accept that it's over. The line "Ever lost you know" highlights the pain and loneliness that comes with heartbreak. The line "I could cry in your eyes, I could die in your smile" amplifies the singer's emotions and displays their vulnerability. The chorus repeats the idea of going high, which can be interpreted as feeling ecstatic, but also hints at escaping reality.
Overall, "Rêverie" is a reflective and romantic song about reminiscing on past memories and the conflicting emotions that come with heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Opening my eyes
As I wake up and open my eyes, I become aware of my surroundings.
Clouds go floating by
I notice the serenity of the clouds as they drift across the sky.
For a while
For a brief moment or period of time.
I see your smile
I remember the happiness that your smile brings me.
For a while I go high...
This brief memory of your smile fills me with joy and elation.
Just for a while
However, this momentary happiness is only temporary.
Now we fall in sleep
As we drift off to sleep, we enter a state of relaxation and peace.
Ever lost you know
If we were to ever lose each other, we both understand the pain that would bring.
I could cry, in your eyes
The love and emotion that I feel when I look into your eyes could move me to tears.
I could cry, when we try
Our efforts to work through difficult situations together may cause me to cry, but it is a testament to the strength of our relationship.
I could die in your smile
Your smile fills me with so much love and joy that it feels as though I could not live without it.
Makes me happy
Being together and sharing these intimate moments brings me immense happiness.
I go high...
These moments of joy and happiness make me feel as though I am soaring high above everything else.
I go high
The feeling of happiness and love continues to lift me up and carry me forward.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kate 93
I think "Loved" is their best album
Serana
Simply breath-taking... music to melt to. I especially adore that distorted guitar, it gives the song that little bit of pizzazz it needs, raw and yet graceful.
Uber Malice
Love this song! To this day it's in my rotation and personal mixes.
Kate 93
Love it!
BezayArt
great song, thanx for posting, you can hear the influence of Cocteau Twins but still their own sound
Scott Stugelmeyer
I hear nothing of Cocteau Twins here whatsoever. What is it, the voice of an angel?? Only comparison between the two great bands. I hear no glossolalia here anyway, either.
Kate 93
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Kate 93
Love this band. Robert Smith brought me here ☺️
Kate 93
Badass sound
Dominic A
So underrated