Scarlet (song) explained

Scarlet
Type:single
Cover:ScarletRollingStones.jpg
Artist:The Rolling Stones featuring Jimmy Page
Album:Goats Head Soup (2020 reissue)
Recorded:October 1974
Label:Polydor
Producer:Jimmy Miller
Chronology:The Rolling Stones
Prev Title:Criss Cross
Prev Year:2020
Scarlet
Year:2020
Next Title:Troubles a' Comin
Next Year:2021

"Scarlet" is a song by English rock band the Rolling Stones featuring guitarist Jimmy Page. The song was released through Polydor as a single from the reissue of the 1973 album Goats Head Soup on 22 July 2020.

Background and composition

"Scarlet" is written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and produced by Jimmy Miller.[1] It is described as "a raw, scratchy, loose limbed and actually rather sweet ditty with a cod reggae feel and lots [...] of guitars".[2] The lyrics narrate "a girl named Scarlet who is doing [Jagger] wrong".[2] It was recorded in October 1974.[3] Jagger stated that the song originated in musician Ronnie Wood's home in Richmond, London during a studio session with Richards and guitarist Jimmy Page,[2] while Richards recalled walking in during the end of rock band Led Zeppelin's session, after which their guitarist, Page, "decided to stay".[3] It is thought to be titled after Page's daughter, Scarlet Page.[4] When asked why it went unreleased for nearly 50 years, Jagger said that the song "wasn't really a Rolling Stones record".[5]

Remixes

On 14 August 2020, the band released a remix by rock band The War on Drugs, which introduced "a pulsing new groove that kicks into double-time for the chorus".[6] A second remix, featuring rock band The Killers and DJ Jacques Lu Cont was released on 28 August. It involved "a resonant, reverberating opening" and "layers of symphonic touches".[7]

Music video

The music video stars Irish actor Paul Mescal, and was filmed at Claridge's Hotel in London with social distancing.[8] It depicts Mescal in hotel rooms and empty bars,[9] leaving the titular character desolate voice messages, drinking, dancing, and eventually collapsing in the lobby.[5] The music video was directed by Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor, and released on 6 August 2020.[10]

Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic.[1]

The Rolling Stones

Additional personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Scarlet – Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones – Credits. AllMusic. 30 August 2020.
  2. News: McCormick. Neil. The Rolling Stones and Jimmy Page's Scarlet is a raw reminder of what happens when rock stars collide. The Daily Telegraph. registration. 22 July 2020. 3 October 2021.
  3. Web site: Aswad. Jem. Rolling Stones Drop 'Scarlet,' Unreleased Track With Jimmy Page. Variety. 22 July 2020. 30 August 2020.
  4. Web site: Beaumont-Thomas. Ben. Lost Rolling Stones song with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page to be released. The Guardian. 9 July 2020. 30 August 2020.
  5. Web site: Willman. Chris. Mick Jagger and Paul Mescal Share Notes on the Rolling Stones' Happy-Go-Drunky 'Scarlet' Video. Variety. 6 August 2020. 30 August 2020.
  6. Doyle. Patrick. The Rolling Stones and War on Drugs Team Up for 'Scarlet' Remix. Rolling Stone. subscription. 14 August 2020. 3 October 2021.
  7. Legaspi. Althea. The Killers, Jacques Lu Cont Remix the Rolling Stones' 'Scarlet'. Rolling Stone. 28 August 2020. 30 August 2020.
  8. Greene. Andy. Watch the New Rolling Stones Video 'Scarlet,' Starring Paul Mescal. Rolling Stone. subscription. 6 August 2020. 3 October 2021.
  9. Web site: O'Connor. Roisin. Paul Mescal gets drunk in a hotel room for new Rolling Stones video 'Scarlet'. The Independent. 7 August 2020. 30 August 2020.
  10. Web site: Ryan. Patrick. Rolling Stones: 'Normal People' star Paul Mescal dances in tight tank in new 'Scarlet' video. USA Today. 6 August 2020. 30 August 2020.

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