Raspberry Beret

"Raspberry Beret"
U.S 7" single
Single by Prince from the album Around the World in a Day
B-side	"She's Always In My Hair" (U.S.) "Hello" (UK)
Released	15 May, 1985
Format	7" single 12" single
Recorded	The Warehouse, St. Louis Park; 1984
Genre	Pop, Funk
Length	7"/album: 3:31 12" single: 7:28
Label	Paisley Park Records
Writer	Prince
Producer	Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Take Me with U" (1985) "Raspberry Beret" (1985) "Pop Life" (1985)
Prince (UK) singles chronology
"Paisley Park" (1985)	"Raspberry Beret" (1985)	"Pop Life" (1985)

"Raspberry Beret" is the first U.S. (and second UK) single off of Prince and The Revolution's 1985 album, Around the World in a Day. The sound was completely different from any previous Prince track, incorporating Middle-Eastern finger-cymbals, stringed instruments and even a harmonica on the extended version. The song was also more in the pop vein than ever before, though the 12-inch single and video of the song feature a funky intro. Although the song was originally recorded in 1982, Prince drastically reworked it with The Revolution to give it more of an international sound. The string section was: Novi Novog on violin, Suzi Katayama and David Coleman on cello. Wendy and Lisa provided backing vocals and the rest of the song was performed by Prince. The video for the song - Prince's first since his short-lived "ban" on music videos - was also significant, displaying Prince's new short haircut and The Revolution vaguely resembling Gypsies or hippies. The song quickly became a fan-favorite and a staple in nearly every Prince tour. The extended version was included on Ultimate in 2006.

The U.S. B-side, "She's Always In My Hair" is a rock and roll number, with guitars and organs and emotional lyrics screamed toward the end. The song's lyrics are said to be about Prince's one-time girlfriend and former member of both Vanity 6 and Apollonia 6, singer Susan Moonsie. The song has several notable features including it's use of finger cymbals and flanger effect. Fans were treated to seemingly personal insight for the first time to Prince the "non-musician" side rather, oddly enough lyrically. The song is basically the tale of one man who has grown tired of a friend/lover who has little regard for the singer's need for personal space as the title suggest. Years later, the song would finally be performed live, much to the delight of long-time fans. The song was covered by D'Angelo on the Scream 2 soundtrack. The U.K. B-side was "Hello", which was included on the U.S. release of "Pop Life".

The 12" Version has an incorrect time listing on the label. It is listed as 7:28 when the actual length of the song is 6:30

In movies

• Raspberry Beret was used in the 1996 movie Girl 6.

Covers

• An alternative rock cover version of the "Raspberry Beret" was recorded and released in 1990 by the Hindu Love Gods, (composed of all members of R.E.M. except Michael Stipe, with Warren Zevon providing lead vocals) and achieved moderate popularity.

• In 2006, Scottish glam rock band El Presidente covered "Raspberry Beret" and released it as a B-side for their 2006 single "Turn This Thing Around". Their version was more rock-based, faster and more uptempo, and includes a guitar solo at the end. The band often plays the song live in concert. El Presidente--Raspberry Beret mp3

• Neil Hannon, lead singer and songwriter of Irish band The Divine Comedy, has proclaimed the song as his favourite ever, and has been known to play it live.

External link

• "Raspberry Beret" lyrics
• Music video

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