Shelleyan Orphan: Biography

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• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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• This Mortal Coil
• The Sundays
• Clannad
• Cocteau Twins
• Bel Canto
• The Dream Academy
• Enya

• Cocteau Twins
• The Cure
• Everything But the Girl
• Nick Drake

• Caroline Crawley
• Jermaur Tayle

Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's

The English duo Shelleyan Orphan (vocalist Caroline Crawley and guitarist/vocalist Jemaur Tayle) got together in Bournemouth in 1980 after discovering a mutual admiration for the romantic poet Shelley; their name is taken from the poem -Spirit of Solitude. Shelleyan Orphan's Baroque, classically orchestrated sound most immediately recalls the poetic romanticism and string arrangements of Nick Drake; Everything but the Girl is another obvious touchstone. While teaching themselves music, the duo moved to London in 1982 to seek out woodwind and string players in order to flesh out their folk-pop vision. In 1984, they won a BBC radio session, which was followed by a somewhat mismatched opening slot for the Jesus and Mary Chain and a deal with Rough Trade. Two singles, "Cavalry of Cloud" and "Anatomy of Love," were received with enthusiasm, but reviewers turned around and slammed the accompanying debut album, 1987's Helleborine, as pretentious. Winds and strings were substituted for most standard rock instruments, although a rhythm section was borrowed from Kate Bush on several cuts. The 1989 follow-up, Century Flower, was more rock-oriented and landed Shelleyan Orphan a spot opening for the Cure. That band's influence popped up on Shelleyan Orphan's final and most traditional studio album, 1991's Humroot.

- Steve Huey, All Music Guide