This is one of those tracks that continually gets released in different speeds. Off the top of my head, I recall there being different speeds for the versions on Deposition/PreposiTion, 30 Years of Funk, and The Work 2. The 30 Years of Funk version is perhaps the most perplexing one as it is way faster than T's original version from Deposition/PreposiTion.

I don't have time stamps available at the moment, but anyone who's kept up on this gem knows what I'm talking about.

So which version is the correct speed?

I like the slowest version (more mature voice), although i reckon the fast speed is the proper one.

Just listened to the slow and fast versions and they both sound odd - maybe they are both incorrect speeds or maybe Prince was playing about with the speeds and there are multiple versions. Remember the Larrabee sessions use the same beat pattern at different speeds. My Tree, Positive Place etc.

Dandroppedadime said:

Just listened to the slow and fast versions and they both sound odd - maybe they are both incorrect speeds or maybe Prince was playing about with the speeds and there are multiple versions. Remember the Larrabee sessions use the same beat pattern at different speeds. My Tree, Positive Place etc.

Yeah, see, depending on where "Play" was supposed to be in the order of those Larrabee songs, it could change what the speed is supposed to be.

To me, the mid-tempo version sounds correct. This is the version we got from T (and the first version I heard). If you consider that "My Tree" has the sped up beat and "Positive Place" has the slowed down beat, it would make sense that "Play" has the mid-tempo. Plus the synth embellishments in the melody sound best, to me, at the mid-tempo pace.

Food for thought, I guess, unless someone has some conclusive evidence. I guess its possible that more than one speed could be correct. I'm surprised 30 YOF uses that super sped up version.

I don't have anything to say about your question; I'm just glad to see you posting. You created my favorite description of Prince, "batshit crazy," and I use it all the time. I now return y'all to your regularly scheduled discussion.