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"Raoul"
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	27 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	3:53 3:41(Re-release)
Label	B-Unique Records [1] Polydor Records[2]
Writer	James Frost Iwan Griffiths Robin Hawkins Alex Pennie
The Automatic singles chronology
"Recover" (2006) "Raoul" (2006) "Monster" (2006)
[[Image:|200px|Re-Release Cover Art|200px]] Re-Release Cover Art
[[Image:|200px|Alternate Original Artwork|200px]] Alternate Original Artwork
[[Image:|200px|Alternate Re-Release Cover Art|200px]] Alternate Re-Release Cover Art

"Raoul" is a song by welsh band 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.

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.^[3]

The single was re-released by decision of B-unique, the band were not "into the idea" however the label insisted. ^[4]

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

The video directed by Charlie Paul^[5] 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.^[6]

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]

The song was featured on Soccer Am's compilation CD in 2006.^[9]

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.^[10]

The track was played live on Later with Jools Holland, along with "Thats What She Said and "Monster".^[11]

Raoul is the owner of a sandwich shop in Cardiff, who would make the band's sandwiches^[12]. 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.^[13]

'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.

• 7"

1. "Raoul"
2. "Trophy Wives"

• CD

1. "Raoul"
2. "On The Campaign Trail"

• 7"

1. "Raoul"
2. "Gold Digger (live from Leeds) "

• CD

1. "Raoul"
2. "Easy Target"

• CD (maxi)

1. "Raoul"
2. "Gold Digger" (Cover of Kayne West)
3. "Monster (Fatboy Slim mix)"
4. "Raoul (video)