RAOUL (SONG)

{{Single infobox |
Name = |
Artist = The Automatic |
Cover = Raoulsinglecover.png |
from Album = Not Accepted Anywhere|
B-side = "Trophy Wives"
"On The Camping Trail" |
Released = 27 March, 2006 |
Length = 3:53 |
Format = 7", CD, CD (maxi) |
Recorded = |
Genre = Indie |
Length = 3:53 |
Label = B-Unique Records |
Writer = Hawkins/Pennie/Frost/Iwan |
Chart position =

• #32 (UK Singles Chart)

|
Reviews =

★ Drowned In Sound (0/5)|
| Last single = "Recover"
(2006)
| This single = "'Raoul'"
(2006)
| Next single = "Monster"
(2006)
| Misc =
"'Raoul'" is a song by The Automatic. Released on 27 March 2006, it was the second single by the band. It received ''NME'''s 'Single of the week' award.
Raoul was the first chart eligible single to be released by the band, since "Recover" was available only as a strictly limited release it was entered in the UK Singles Chart at #32.

Contents

Meaning

Original release

Music Video

Track Listing

Re-release

Chart

Music video

Track listing

Footnotes

Meaning

Raoul is the owner of a sandwich shop in Cardiff, who would make the band's sandwiches^[1]. 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 Webpage.^[2]

Original release

Music Video

The video directed by Charlie Paul^[3] 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.^[4]

Track Listing

★ 7"
#"Raoul"
#"Trophy Wives"

★ CD
#"Raoul"
#"On The Campaign Trail"

Re-release

{{Single infobox |
Name = |
Artist = The Automatic |
Cover = TheAutomaticRaoulSingleNew.jpg |
from Album = Not Accepted Anywhere|
B-side = "Gold Digger"
"Easy Target" |
Released = 8 January, 2007 |
Length = 3:41 |
Format = 7", CD, CD (maxi) |
Recorded = 2007 |
Genre = Indie |
Length = 3:41 |
Label = B-Unique Records |
Writer = Hawkins/Pennie/Frost/Iwan |
Chart position =

• #32 (UK Singles Chart)

|
Reviews =

★ Drowned In Sound (0/5)|
| Last single = "Recover (re-release)"
(2006)
| This single = "Raoul"
(2007)
| Next single = "Steve McQueen"
(2007)(Not Yet Released)
| Misc =


In 2007 the band Re-Recorded 'Raoul' giving it a slightly different Guitar line, with some other minor changes, as well as a new music video, with the record label, B-Unique Records pushing for another top 5 hit, like Monster.^[5]
The single was re-released by decision of B-unique, the band were not "into the idea" however the label insisted. ^[6]

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.

Music video

The 2007 video directed by Up the Resolution^[7] 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, whoms husband is in a meeting with James Frosts character, the video ends with Iwan Griffiths urinating in a bowl.^[8]

Track listing

★ 7"
#"Raoul"
#"Gold Digger (live from Leeds) "

★ CD
#"Raoul"
#"Easy Target"

★ CD (maxi)
#"Raoul"
#"Gold Digger"
#"Monster (Fatboy Slim mix)"
#"Raoul (video)

Footnotes

1. Who Is Raoul?Channel 4 Interview With Robin Hawkins
2. theautomatic.co.uk.
3. Partizan
4. Raoul2006 Music Video 'Raoul Original'
5. Raoul Re-ReleaseMusicOHM Article 'Raoul'
6. James Frost Radio InterviewOnline Radio interview.
7. Factory Films
8. Raoul2007 Music Video 'Raoul'