"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.
| "Scarlet" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by The Rolling Stones featuring Jimmy Page | ||||
| from the album Goats Head Soup (2020 reissue) | ||||
| Released | 22 July 2020 | |||
| Recorded | October 1974 | |||
| Length | 3:44 | |||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Jagger/Richards | |||
| Producer(s) | Jimmy Miller | |||
| The Rolling Stones singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Scarlet" on YouTube | ||||
Background and composition
edit"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
editOn 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
editThe 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
editCredits adapted from AllMusic.[1]
The Rolling Stones
- Mick Jagger – vocals, guitar
- Keith Richards – guitar
Additional personnel
- Ian Stewart – piano
- Ric Grech – bass
- Howard Kilgour – engineering
- Jimmy Miller – production
- Jimmy Page – guitar
- Bruce Rowland – drums
- Rod Thear – engineering
Charts
edit| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[11] | 31 |
References
edit- ^ a b "Scarlet – Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ a b c McCormick, Neil (22 July 2020). "The Rolling Stones and Jimmy Page's Scarlet is a raw reminder of what happens when rock stars collide". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ a b Aswad, Jem (22 July 2020). "Rolling Stones Drop 'Scarlet,' Unreleased Track With Jimmy Page". Variety. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (9 July 2020). "Lost Rolling Stones song with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page to be released". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ a b Willman, Chris (6 August 2020). "Mick Jagger and Paul Mescal Share Notes on the Rolling Stones' Happy-Go-Drunky 'Scarlet' Video". Variety. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ Doyle, Patrick (14 August 2020). "The Rolling Stones and War on Drugs Team Up for 'Scarlet' Remix". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ Legaspi, Althea (28 August 2020). "The Killers, Jacques Lu Cont Remix the Rolling Stones' 'Scarlet'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ Greene, Andy (6 August 2020). "Watch the New Rolling Stones Video 'Scarlet,' Starring Paul Mescal". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ O'Connor, Roisin (7 August 2020). "Paul Mescal gets drunk in a hotel room for new Rolling Stones video 'Scarlet'". The Independent. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ Ryan, Patrick (6 August 2020). "Rolling Stones: 'Normal People' star Paul Mescal dances in tight tank in new 'Scarlet' video". USA Today. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "The Rolling Stones Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 30 August 2020.