The System (band)
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The System was a U.S. American synth pop band from the 1980s.
The two band members were Mic Murphy (vocals, guitar) and David Frank (keyboards). The band was founded in 1982 in New York. Their first album was Sweat in 1983 with their classic hit "You Are in My System". The song was placed in The Billboard Hot 100 and was the band's first successful song.
In 1984 the duo released their second album, X-periment. David Frank's expertise in studio technology gave the songs a sound which was way ahead of its time. Indeed, the heavy use of synths and electric percussion was beyond the disco-influenced flavour of the previous album. Mic Murphy's soulful vocals gave the songs a definite R&B flavour, which still can be heard in many popular artists today. Apart from up-beat electric sounding tracks, this album also introduces a more serious, emotional quality, evident in tracks such as 'Promises Can Break' and 'I Can't Take Losing You'; the synths and electric piano here are used to create a deeper atmosphere and feeling.
The System performed the energetic title track of their 1985 album The Pleasure Seekers on an episode of the hit NBC series Miami Vice. Other stand outs on this album include the more melodic and down to earth "It Takes Two", as well as "Love Won't Wait For Lovin'" and "This Is For You".
The greatest triumphant title of The System came in 1987 with "Don't Disturb This Groove", from the album of the same name. It placed #1 on the R&B charts and the title became a #3 in the Hot 100. Murphy and Frank disbanded in 1989 and came again together in 2000 with the album ESP.
Their song "Rock N' Roll Me Again" became famous in the 1980s successful film Beverly Hills Cop with Eddie Murphy. "Don't Disturb This Groove" was sampled by the late 2Pac for his 1996 song "Lost Souls".
David Frank recently has become a successful songwriter and producer - most notably his work with Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle" in 1999 and teen girl group Dream's "He Loves You Not" in 2001 - both massive hits - both with the signature sound of The System.
They also share their name with an anarcho-punk band.
[edit] Discography
- Sweat, Mirage 1983
- X-Periment, Polydor 1984
- Pleasure Seekers, Mirage 1985
- Don't Disturb This Groove, Atlantic 1987
- Rhythm & Romance, Atlantic 1989
- ESP, Town Sound 2000
[edit] Trivia
A song by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham titled "This Groove", contains an interpolation of "Don't Disturb This Groove".
Rapper Tupac used a sample of "Don't Disturb This Groove" on his single "Lost Soulz" recorded for the soundtrack of the movie "Gang Related."
They made the title song for the soundtrack of the film Coming to America.
