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
Valentine
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have to spend another holiday where I am not with you
It's valentine's day and it's a shame I feel so down
I have to coop up in my bed when you're not in this town
I'm taking doctor's orders, he says it's for the best
My sickness will be shorter with a few days of bedrest
It's valentine's day and even though I'm all alone
I still can call you on the phone and you'll be in my home
It's valentine's day and I'm afraid I can't see you
The doc says it's contagious and I fear you'd catch it too
It's valentine's day and it's a pity how I feel
I was going to take you out tonight to have a romantic meal
The way I look would appall you, my skin is pale my eyes are glazed
But ever since I thought to call you I feel a lot less dazed
In fact, you'd be amazed
It's valentine's day and it is very plain to see
The wonders of technology if they brought you to me
In Cranes's song "Valentine," the lyrics express the singer's feelings of sadness and loneliness on Valentine's Day. The song starts off with the singer lamenting about not being able to spend the holiday with their loved one. They express their disappointment and frustration, describing how they have to stay cooped up in bed while their partner is not in town.
The lyrics further reveal that the singer is following a doctor's orders, possibly due to being physically unwell. Despite feeling depressed, they find solace in the fact that they can still call their partner and have them be present through technology. The singer acknowledges how remarkable it is that technology has the power to bridge the physical distance between them and their loved one.
Overall, "Valentine" portrays a sense of longing and longing for connection on a day that is traditionally associated with romance and togetherness. The lyrics highlight the paradoxical feelings of sadness and hope that arise from being physically separated but emotionally connected.
Line by Line Meaning
It's valentine's day and I'm afraid I'm feeling blue
On this day of love, I'm filled with sadness and melancholy
It's valentine's day and it's a shame I feel so down
I'm disappointed that I'm feeling so low on this special day
I have to coop up in my bed when you're not in this town
I'm confined to my bed, missing you dearly while you're away
I'm taking doctor's orders, he says it's for the best
The doctor has advised me to rest, claiming it will help me heal
My sickness will be shorter with a few days of bedrest
By following the doctor's advice and resting, my illness will subside quicker
But I still feel depressed
However, I still can't escape this feeling of sadness
It's valentine's day and even though I'm all alone
Despite being solitary, I can still reach out to you through a phone
I still can call you on the phone and you'll be in my home
Through a simple phone call, I can bring your presence into my residence
It's valentine's day and I'm afraid I can't see you
Regrettably, I can't meet you in person due to the risk of contagion
The doc says it's contagious and I fear you'd catch it too
According to the doctor, my condition is transmissible and I worry about you falling ill
It's valentine's day and it's a pity how I feel
I lament the unfortunate state of my emotions on this romantic occasion
I was going to take you out tonight to have a romantic meal
Originally, I had planned to treat you to a special, intimate dinner
The way I look would appall you, my skin is pale my eyes are glazed
You would be shocked by my current appearance—pale skin and lifeless eyes
But ever since I thought to call you I feel a lot less dazed
However, as soon as the idea of reaching out to you crossed my mind, I felt more clear-headed
In fact, you'd be amazed
Indeed, you would be astonished
It's valentine's day and it is very plain to see
It's evident that it's Valentine's Day
The wonders of technology if they brought you to me
The marvels of technology would allow you to be with me, even from a distance
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Charles Crane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Iuri J.
In the first time I heard this song I thought there were a problem with my headphones.