Raoul (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Raoul EP.
“Raoul”
“Raoul” cover
Single by The Automatic
from the album Not Accepted Anywhere
B-side "Trophy Wives"
"On The Camping Trail"
(Re-release)
"Gold Digger"
"Easy Target"
Released Flag of the United Kingdom27 March 2006
8 January 2007(Re-release)
Format 7", CD, CD (maxi), Digital Download
Recorded Elevator Studio Liverpool
Genre Rock
Post-punk revival
Punk rock
Electro
Pop
Length Flag of the United Kingdom3:53
3:41(Re-release)
Label B-Unique Records [1]
Polydor Records[2]
Writer(s) James Frost
Iwan Griffiths
Robin Hawkins
Alex Pennie
The Automatic singles chronology
"Recover"
(2006)		 "Raoul"
(2006)		 "Monster"
(2006)
Re-release chronology
"Recover (Re-release)"
(2006)		 "Raoul (Re-release)"
(2007)		 "Steve McQueen"
(2008)
2007 Secondary Artwork
2007 Secondary Artwork
2007 Primary Artwork
2007 Primary Artwork
Original Artwork for 2006 Vinyl
Original Artwork for 2006 Vinyl
Not Accepted Anywhere track listing
"Thats What She Said"
(1)		 "Raoul"
(2)		 "You Shout You Shout You Shout"
(3)

"Raoul" is a song by Welsh band The Automatic. The second track of there debut album Not Accepted Anywhere it was originally released on 27 March 2006 through Polydor Records and Universal Music it was the bands first chart eligible single.[3] The track was re-released on January 8, 2007 from the decision of the bands record label, the band had stated previously that they were not "into the idea of releasing Raoul again".[4][5]

Contents

[edit] Music Videos

Top- The original video, The band with an actor representing Raoul, Bottom the band performing in the office in the new video
Top- The original video, The band with an actor representing Raoul, Bottom the band performing in the office in the new video

[edit] Original

The video directed by Charlie Paul[6] depicts the 'taking a break' from studio work, the band leave the studio and begin walking through a 1970s style concert where the look at themselves playing, they then walk through a gym, and into another room where they are playing in a smaller dark venue. The video ends up with them at Raoul's sandwich shop, with an actor who represents 'Raoul', making their sandwiches. the line from the song "Lets Go Back To Work" then links in to the video, as they leave.[7]

[edit] Re-release

The 2007 video directed by Up the Resolution[8] is set in an office, and opens with a man singing "Monster", another man does not seem to appreciate this and pushes him against a wall, this possibly showing how the band are not happy with just being known for playing the song Monster. The video then goes on to show the band members working in the office, firstly Robin Hawkins is delivering mail to the other employers, whilst in clips the whole band are shown at an office party, performing 'Raoul', whilst Alex Pennie makes out with another older employee, whose husband is in a meeting with James Frosts character, the video ends with Iwan Griffiths urinating in a bowl.[9]

[edit] Production

 Music sample:

"Easy Target"

"Easy Target", was a b-side released on "Raoul" and is the final song from the Not Accepted Anywhere era to be recorded.
Problems listening to the file? See media help.

The song was featured on Soccer Am's compilation CD in 2006.[10]

Artist Culprit 1 remixed the song however unlike "Recover" and "Monster" remixes by Culprit 1 the remix was not released on the single.

The song was featured on MOJO's third episode.[11]

The track was played live on Later with Jools Holland, along with "Thats What She Said and "Monster".[12]

[edit] Meaning

Raoul is the owner of a sandwich shop in Cardiff, who would make the band's sandwiches[13]. A man representing him is seen in the original video for Raoul, however he is not Raoul himself. The real Raoul has been tracked down by fans of The Automatic, and pictures have been posted on The Automatics moblog.[14]

[edit] Chart

'Raoul' and 'Monster' both competed for success in the UK singles chart after 'Monster' left the top 40, and re-entered when Downloads via itunes and other online stores were allowed to be included in the Single charts. Ultimately the single only got to 32, with monster staying at re entering at 33.

Chart Peak Date
UK Singles Chart #35 original release April 9, 2006
UK Single Chart #33 re-release January 14, 2007

[edit] Artwork

The artwork has been seen from 2006 to 2007 at various performances as the backdrop, it was created by 'Rockdrops'.[15]

[edit] Track Listing

vinyl March 26, 2006
# Title Length
1. "Raoul"   3:29
2. "Trophy Wives"   1:57
CD single, March 26 2006
# Title Length
1. "Raoul"   3:29
2. "On The Campaign Trail"   3:03
vinyl January 8, 2007
# Title Length
1. "Raoul"   3:29
2. "Monster (Fatboy Slim Remix)"   5:59
CD single, January 8 2007
# Title Length
1. "Raoul"   3:28
2. "Easy Target"   3:52

[edit] References

  1. ^ B-UniqueThe Automatic at B-unique Records
  2. ^ PolydorList of artists signed to Polydor Records
  3. ^ Welsh Music, Raoul, B-Unique. BBC Wales (March 27, 2006). Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
  4. ^ BBC Nottingham Radio Interview Segment, Prior to NME Indie Rock Tour. BBC Radio (Interview with Guitarist James Frost) (2007). Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
  5. ^ The Automatic - Raoul (B-Unique). musicOHM (8 January 2007). Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
  6. ^ Partizan
  7. ^ Raoul2006 Music Video 'Raoul Original'
  8. ^ Factory Films
  9. ^ Raoul2007 Music Video 'Raoul'
  10. ^ HMVSoccer AM
  11. ^ MOJOEpisode 3 of MOJO featuring "Raoul"
  12. ^ NMEKeane drop out, The Automatic replace
  13. ^ Who Is Raoul?Channel 4 Interview With Robin Hawkins
  14. ^ moblogpictures
  15. ^ rockdrops
v • d • e
The Automatic
List of Tours by The Automatic • List of releases by The Automatic • List of songs by The Automatic •
Members
Former members
Albums
EP's
Singles
"Recover" • "Raoul" • "Monster "Recover (Re-Release)" • "Raoul (Re-Release)" • "Monster (USA release)" • "Steve McQueen" • "Magazines" •
Related articles
Record labels