dominatrix: the dominatrix sleeps tonight

'The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight' has a long and storied history among connoisseurs of '80s New York dance music. Combining catchy, deadpan synth-pop and classic '80s electro hallmarks with the provocative edge of leather-and-lace sex culture, it remains a worldwide dancefloor staple to this day. Despite its popularity, little has been known about the song's background. The brainchild of producer Stuart Argabright (née Arbright, a member of the groups Ike Yard and Death Comet Crew); alongside DJ and remixer Ivan Ivan; Kenneth Lockie (from Cowboys International, and early Death Comet Crew); and vocalist Claudia Summers; the song's dominating female subject was based on a person whom Arbright had dated. The song -- and a banned-by-MTV video that today could be mistaken for a Victoria's Secret commercial -- became a club smash at famed Danceteria and other urban meccas. But, despite some leather-clad live dates in 1984, the group itself was short-lived. This special Get On Down vinyl edition is sure to be coveted by fans and collectors. This configuration has never been available before: beyond four original mixes of the song (12", Chants, Dominant, and Beat Me) that fans know and love -- this full-length LP includes the newly unearthed song 'Play It Safe' and the rarely heard, hypnotic 'City That Never Sleeps,' in addition to the rare 1984 'Scratch Mix' of the original title song, with cuts by the legendary DJ Red Alert.