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In celebration of Prince’s acclaimed Controversy album, originally released 40 years ago on October 14, 1981, The Prince Estate and Warner Records are pleased to present yet another hidden gem from Prince’s storied Paisley Park vault: a previously unheard 1979 solo demo-recording of his quintessential slow-jam “Do Me, Baby.”
Available in two limited edition physical formats exclusively from the Official Prince Store: a special replica cassette single (limited to 1,981 units), and an etched 7” single pressed on purple vinyl. The replica cassette matches the original source format stored in Prince’s Paisley Park vault for decades, and the 7” vinyl incorporates Prince’s original hand-written lyrics for the song.
“Do Me, Baby” is best known as the centerpiece of 1981's Controversy, but Prince first recorded the song years earlier. A demo featuring Prince and his best friend and creative collaborator André Cymone was initially recorded in 1978. Then a year later, Prince fully reimagined the track as a solo recording during the April 1979 recording sessions for Prince at Alpha Studios in North Hollywood, CA, with overdubs added in the same period at Hollywood Sound Records in Hollywood, CA.
From that 2" multitrack master tape, a cassette rough mix – recently discovered in Prince’s legendary vault and labeled in the artist’s own handwriting – was rendered but ultimately shelved. This special release of “Do Me, Baby (Demo)” has been newly mixed to match the original demo cassette specs by Prince’s GRAMMY-nominated engineer Chris James, and mastered by Prince’s longtime collaborator and multiple GRAMMY-winning engineer Bernie Grundman.
Available in two limited edition physical formats exclusively from the Official Prince Store: a special replica cassette single (limited to 1,981 units), and an etched 7” single pressed on purple vinyl. The replica cassette matches the original source format stored in Prince’s Paisley Park vault for decades, and the 7” vinyl incorporates Prince’s original hand-written lyrics for the song.
“Do Me, Baby” is best known as the centerpiece of 1981's Controversy, but Prince first recorded the song years earlier. A demo featuring Prince and his best friend and creative collaborator André Cymone was initially recorded in 1978. Then a year later, Prince fully reimagined the track as a solo recording during the April 1979 recording sessions for Prince at Alpha Studios in North Hollywood, CA, with overdubs added in the same period at Hollywood Sound Records in Hollywood, CA.
From that 2" multitrack master tape, a cassette rough mix – recently discovered in Prince’s legendary vault and labeled in the artist’s own handwriting – was rendered but ultimately shelved. This special release of “Do Me, Baby (Demo)” has been newly mixed to match the original demo cassette specs by Prince’s GRAMMY-nominated engineer Chris James, and mastered by Prince’s longtime collaborator and multiple GRAMMY-winning engineer Bernie Grundman.
Additional Details
As was typical with Prince, he revisited the song afresh more than two years later when he created an entirely new solo recording of “Do Me, Baby� at Sunset Sound in June 1981. That master recording was released on October 14, 1981, as the epic final song on Side A of Controversy.
*Please note that we do not ship partial orders. Any items purchased in the same order as this media will be shipped at the same time as the media on its scheduled release date. Max order quantity of 2 units per person.
SIDE A
Do Me Baby
SIDE B
etching
*Please note that we do not ship partial orders. Any items purchased in the same order as this media will be shipped at the same time as the media on its scheduled release date. Max order quantity of 2 units per person.
SIDE A
Do Me Baby
SIDE B
etching
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Customer Reviews
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James HoltOctober 4, 2022I'm always fascinated at how Prince had/has various versions of popular songs and sometimes unpopular. He was truly a music pioneer. Keep releasing new stuff and I'll keep buying it. Thank you!
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BrandonAugust 3, 2022Thia record arrived in great, fantastic time and plays wonderfully. Thank You and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
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Atsushi SakaiJune 15, 2022I was very excited when the parcel arrived at my house. I got more excited with the vinyl. When I put it on the turntable, It culminated. Great gift!
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RodJune 15, 2022I really dig this demo version of "Do Me, Baby"! It's just as great as the finished recording of which he included on "Controversy" back in '81. I can't stop playing it. My only complaint would be that I wish The Estate would release some more studio gems, such as his original recording of "If I Love U 2night". Otherwise, this release is just simply superb! It was well worth the wait!
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Everett WhitesideJune 15, 2022A beautiful pressing of this Prince classic in its demo form. The art concept, the packaging, and the detail make this one a "must-have."
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Lucy LauriaMay 31, 2022I luv both the 'Do me, baby, & 'hot summer' 7" vinyls. They were worth wait. The updates & customer service have been xceptional. As the 'Purple Yoda' would say "music is medicine". His music will live on 4eva
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EarlMay 24, 2022Arrived in great condition. Not cs addition to my collection. Love this version
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LeeMay 24, 2022Beautiful version of from Prince. I'm liking the packaging and the purple disc.
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James BrownMay 24, 2022Great it was just a long wait
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AndreMay 22, 2022This has to B Prince's sexiest track ever! Not to B missed in any form or fashion! The various versions live and on vinyl are a true fan's dreams! This is real music by real musicians and 1 of the greatest!
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Stephen GreenMay 22, 2022Perfect presentation and design. Love the way the Estate is evolving and find their legs. It was well worth the wait and the pricing was appropriate. The etching on the flip side was beautifully done and I hope this is an indication of what's to come. Superb!!!
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HenryMay 21, 2022Great song, cool 45! It plays perfect and there are no warps on the vinyl. Always love these colored 45s and plan to buy more in the future to compliment my 45s of “I Feel For You” and “Welcome 2 America.”
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Bruce Edward ScarberryMay 21, 2022Love the single. Great Prince sound. The color is also fantastic.
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PattyMay 21, 2022I was happy with getting my copy. The purple vinyl is very pretty, and the sleeve design attractive. I was surprised by the engraving on the back side; I wasn't;t expecting that at all. I am impressed.
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Andrea PheilMay 21, 2022It's Prince so it can't go wrong. Love love this. Thank you so much.
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