Who Did It Better? You Are In My System

Who Did It Better? 

You Are In My System

This one may strain the old memory bank. It was a bit of a blip on the pop charts, but in the clubs? Well, that was another matter. 

You Are in My System is a song written by Mic Murphy and David Frank, better known as the duo, The System. They recorded and released it as a single in August of 1982 on Mirage Records. The song also appears on their 1983 album, Sweat. It proved to be a minor hit for the duo, reaching #64 on the Billboard's Hot 100. However, it did much better on the R&B and Club Play charts, snagging the #10 and #14 spots, respectively. But no worries, it would not be the last time the group charted. You may remember them for their 1987 Top Ten hit (#4), Don't Disturb This Groove.

Meanwhile, Robert Palmer was busy putting final touches on his seventh album, 1983's Pride. Taking a bit of a break, Palmer found himself in Paris, at a famous, private night club called l'Elysées Matignon. It is there that DJ Bernie Bernthaler happened to play an original 12" promo copy of The System's version of You Are In My System. He was immediately smitten, so much so, that he flew back to the studio post haste to cut his own version - even convincing David Frank himself to play on it!

Recorded within 24 hours of Palmer having heard the the song, his version was remixed by Dominique Blanc-Francard, included on the Pride album and released in March of 1983 as the album's second single. It only managed to reach #78 on Billboard's Hot 100, however it did quite well in the clubs, hitting #4.

Five years later, Amii Stewart would record a version for her 1988 album, Time For Fantasy on RCA Italia and it would serve as the B-Side to her single I Still Believe. You may remember Stewart... she had a #1 hit back in 1979 with her version of Eddie Floyd's Knock On Wood - a true disco classic. Well, turns out she fell in love with Italy, moved there, and became a fixture on their charts for many years - remaining breathtakingly beautiful the entire time.

And that's the whole story.

Now? On to the competition!

The Song: You Are In My System
The Competitors: The System vs. Palmer vs. Stewart

You Are In My System - The System

You Are In My System - Robert Palmer

You Are In My System - Amii Stewart

The System

This was such a fun time. And, yes... that sound is of a certain period. When disco died, the clubs had to find something to keep our feet on the dancefloor. I remember when all the established R&B/Funk bands tried their hand at electronic instrumentation. The market was absolutely flooded. The Dazz Band were sort of ahead of the pack. And I definitely remember this song. I wasn't out yet, so hadn't been to a club, but I listened to everything and this pricked up my ears right away, as I always enjoyed anything you could dance to. 

Extended intros were in vogue. It was the newness of it all... drum machines were considered cutting edge stuff.

I adore the drum machine and the laser synth stings. Not a real fan of his voice. It's very hooded and the way they've buffed it up with reverb makes him sound flattened. I know the synths sound dated, but that is part of their charm for me. I get very nostalgic. It certainly was a more predictable time. 

I do like the song. Rather slight, but fun. It was a bit ahead of its time. That pretty synth in the background of the chorus. Just lovely. Something about the production work isn't working for me. It's like the singer never breaks through to the outer layer. 

One of the things I like about the arrangement is all the air and space created between the various elements - I would say instruments, but during this time, music was more like something created in a lab; adding ingredients. This is a case where they didn't muck up the proceedings by overplaying their hand. I'm enjoying the relative simplicity. Sometimes it's what's not there that matters the most. 

I do wish the bass was more substantial, more pronounced. Feels thin. 

At the 3:19 mark is where I would cut this. The 7" version actually cuts out at 3:42. That version wasn't available on YouTube, so we are listening to one of the shorter versions from the 12" release. 

Totally enjoyable. 

Robert Palmer

So, this is the album version. The 7" version ran only 2:57, while this is 4:28. 

This one is wired a bit tighter, a much more cutting sound. Oh, I was hoping his vocals would be on top. They are buried. This arrangement is a lot busier than the original. Not sure if I like that. I miss all that open air. 

You can definitely hear what is to come for Mr. Palmer. All the elements that would make his next album, 1985's Riptide, such a huge success are present, here. I think it was a matter of popular tastes catching up. The major difference? His vocals would be pushed to the top of the mix and had that happened with this one, I think we would be talking a different story. 

I love all the added syncopation he brings to the lyrics/melody. He really was quite the vocalist; very muscly, sinewy, and serrated. He brings a lot of energy and color to the proceedings. 

You know? If you drew this song with a pencil? It would pretty much be a straight line with a occasional ripples. I feels like a sleek car being driven straight forward. 

Love the breakdown at the 2:35 mark. And even though this is a busy arrangement, I love all the tiny atmospherics he keeps adding in the background. They certainly perk up the ear.  And given the restraints of the song, Palmer continues to find ways of stretching out. He's keeping this thing very much alive, and not just a bunch of bleeps and bloops. Love his growl. 

Always thought that Palmer was the height of white urban sophistication, and, therefore, a bit ahead of the curve. Very worldly. 

Amii Stewart

So, this is the 7" version, which is also the album version. 

And if you are thinking "Prince/Vanity Six," you are right. In fact, there is (supposedly) a version of the song by Prince. I listened to it and doubt its authenticity. Still, it was said that throughout the filming of Purple Rain, this was the song that he kept requesting to hear. 

About Amii: I think it a shame that she was dismissed as a disco artist, here, in the states. She had a great voice - not always the best material or production values, but a great voice, major beauty and presence. Our loss was Italy's gain. The most recent photo I could find of her was from the Cannes film festival back in 2013 - and the woman was still stunning - without the touch of a surgeon's knife!

She has a lovely, broad, solid R&B sound. It works well, here. Her delivery is much more melodic - while the gentlemen put the focus on creating additional rhythmic textures, she stretches out notes, weaving them together. 

Listen to "I keep on pushing, pushing..." Grace Jones. 

I ADORE the scattered acoustic piano! What a revelation. 

The instrumental breakdown? Meh. 

Her vocals are strong throughout. This is going to be tougher than I thought. 

Oh, and then on the play out she goes and fills it up diva style. I am loving this. The arrangement is overly adorned, and lacks the finesse of Palmer's, but she is a powerhouse. I am rather surprised.

The Verdict

Well, smack me with a dead mackerel. 

I am going with Amii Stewart! Granted, her version came five years later and there were certainly a number of technological advancements achieved, but hers is not the pale imitation I was expecting. The lady can sing! And brings her 'A' game. The arrangement isn't as muscular or defined as the other two, but then, her vocals are cut of a different cloth, too. It's like high tech vs. full-on R&B - and her take wins - it is full-blooded. 

I am surprised, because I have always listened to the other two - with Palmer's being my version of choice. 

Amii's a game changer. 

Now I have to check out what else she was up to over there in Italy. 

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I must say, today's trio surprised me. I just love uncovering hidden gems.

What? Don't agree?

Okay, your turn. 

Let me know what you think. I love hearing your opinion. 

That's it for now...

Until next time: thanks for reading... and listening!

You Are In My System - The System

You Are In My System - Robert Palmer

Don't Disturb This Groove - The System

Knock On Wood - Amii Stewart