May 15, 2017

45 RPMs 12: Prince ~ Raspberry Beret

Prince ~ Raspberry Beret
45 rpm record sleeve detail
detail photo by Styrous®

On May 15, 1985, the single, Raspberry Beret, from the 1985 album, Around the World in a Day was released. It is a neo-psychedelic pop song by Prince and The Revolution and is one of my favorite songs by him.       


Prince ~ Raspberry Beret
45 rpm record sleeve
photo by Styrous®



The sound of the song incorporated stringed instruments (a recurring accompaniment over the years)  and Middle Eastern finger cymbals.   



Prince ~ Raspberry Beret
45 rpm record sleeve
photo by Styrous®



The song tells of a teenage romance and first sexual experience with the girl who wears the beret. It was inspired by a deleted scene from Purple Rain, where The Kid, Prince, and his girlfriend, Apollonia Kotero, made love in a barn. The video for the song was directed primarily by himself, with animation created by Colossal Pictures co-founder Drew Takahashi. The song quickly became a fan favorite, and a staple in nearly every Prince tour.    



Prince ~ Raspberry Beret
45 rpm record sleeve detail
detail photo by Styrous®


The song hit number 1 in Cash Box and reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. It reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.  



photo by Styrous®


Following the death of Prince, the song re-charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 33 on the chart dated the week of May 14, 2016. As of April 30, 2016, it has sold 691,421 copies in the United States.    



Net links:             
              
Prince ~ June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016        
                     
Raspberry Beret on YouTube     
     
         
          
     
              
I want 2 live life 2 the ultimate high
                                     ~ Prince
                             



Styrous® ~ Monday, May 15, 2017 
  
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