[.ca] Future Songs

From Amazon.com:
Future Songs is the seventh album from the Cranes, probably one of the most misinterpreted bands on the planet. The Cranes have often been portrayed as industrial noise merchants, more often as simple goths. One reviewer described singer Alison Shaw as "a baby trapped in a toolbox"; this was intended as a blithe putdown, yet, taken from a different perspective, it's strangely accurate. Deliberately juxtaposing her vocals--her plaintive, unearthly voice delivering painfully open songs of love and loss--with her brother Jim's often punishing soundscapes, the Cranes were always primarily concerned with the way innocents are bruised and broken by life's hard, cold machinery. With Future Songs, they continue along the same path, with Alison still clinging to childlike hopes of happiness, despite the collapse of her relationships, and again producing a heart-wrenching set of melodies. And Jim Shaw, no longer intent upon bludgeoning his audience into submission, creates an ingenious and deeply moving backdrop, ranging from the dubby ambience of "Don't Wake Me Up" to the delicate acoustic guitar of "Even When." Future Songs is another superb collection from a laudably diligent, gloriously idiosyncratic, and tremendously gifted band. --Dominic Wills

so close...:
The Cranes have long been one of my all time favorite bands. Albums like "loved" and "winged of joy" are truely good albums, with Alison Shaws "little girl lost vocals" driving probably the best "shoegazer/goth" sounds around. If you have heard none of these albums, its kind of a Cocteau Twins meets Slowdive meets My Bloody valentine. There has been a long gap between albums, but the Cranes have continued to tour, and continue to entrall their cult and fanatical fan base ( check out their unofficial web site to get an idea). The last studio album , Population Four, was a disappointment, with a much more radio friendly and acessable sound. All in all it was very average as the very best points about the Cranes - eerie etheral vocals, wal of sound guitars, subtle yet pounding bass, were lost. This album is a road to recovery- it is far less radio friendly than "Population Four" but is still a long way removed from the earlier sounds.There are hints though- the first track "Future Sougs" is pure Classical Cranes. A standout track, while the rest still just does not rely heavily enough on the Cranes great strengths. This is still a very good album, gentle listener, but just does not have the punch of earlier days. If you are new to the Cranes, I recommend this AND "loved" to give you the full gamut. I look forward to the next installment with some anticipation. Recommended.

don't wake me up:
I have always wanted to check out Cranes' music for awhile now. I was intrigued by an interview with the brother/sister act in an issue of OUTBURN from last year. I came across "Future Songs" today in the used bins and thought this was a good time for me to check them out. The second I put this cd into my stereo I must admit that I was a bit put off by the childlike vocals of Ali Shaw. She reminded me a bit of Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval. In fact this entire cd reminded me a lot of Mazzy Star, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and a smidgeon of The Cocteau Twins. After I listened more into the cd, Ali's vocals became less and less grating on me. I became more accustomed to her child-like vocals. The music was a bit more mellower than I expected which for me can be a slight problem since I like my music loud and fast. Nevertheless I found the Cranes' music very relaxing to listen. I particularly enjoyed songs such as "Sunrise" and "The Maker of Heavenly Trousers" (which I thought was the stand out track for me on the entire album). I don't know if the bonus remixes were that necessary to include on the album. To be honest, the remix for "Don't Wake Me Up" didn't sound any more different than the original version. For all its flaws, I immensely enjoyed "Future Songs". I found the music to be very soothing to listen to, and it will especially be very soothing to listen to after a hard day's work at the office.

Hauntingly beautiful music:
Forever is a strange and beautiful album that combines restlessness and calm, like a river in the moonlight. Absolutely must-have!

Audio crack!:
This is my first Cranes album and I've been turned into a junkie. I've had it for 2 weeks and can't stop listening to it. Every time I loan it out I have to go ask for it back the next day to get a fix. I swear to god they've put something subliminal on it to get me hooked this bad. I would say you would like this album if you like Massive Attack, Cocteau Twins and Violet Indiana.

Almost But Not Quite:
We all love The Cranes, admit it. The childlike vocals and ambient sounds are mesermizing. But don't expect another Wings of Joy. Sure Loved was a fine effort, probably their best since Wings of Joy. But this latest effort lacks the melodic originality of either of their best albums. Granted, there are a few choice enjoyable tracks that make this album worth owning, so long as you don't expect another mind-blowing album.

• Future Song
• Submarine
• Flute Song
• Sunrise
• Don't Wake Me up
• Driving in the Sun
• Fragile
• Eight
• Even When
• Everything for
• Maker of Heavenly Trousers
• Fragile \oRemix\c\o*\c
• Don't Wake Me up \oRemix\c\o*\c
• In the Reeds \o*\c