Customer Reviews

Best Of: Love Is the Message

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like the Ramsey Lewis Trio did in the 1960s, MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) specialized in jazz-flavored instrumental covers of pop tunes. Both groups are clearly distinguished from the plethora of so called "soft jazz" acts that simply mimic the original recordings with the lead vocals taken out.

In this sixteen track set, MFSB covers several popular tunes from the 1970s including: "Freddie's Dead" (Curtis Mayfield), "Philadelphia Freedom" (Elton John), and "Back Stabbers" (O'Jays). The latter track was also written by the gifted songwriting and producing team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Gamble and Huff were the architects of the "Philly Sound." MFSB was their house band.

Also included in the CD are covers of lesser known, but still fine tracks like "Cheaper to Keeper" (Johnnie Taylor) and "Smile Happy" (War). Covering songs from a variety of styles including Tin Pan Alley tunes (e.g., "My One and Only Love"), keeps the set varied and interesting.

Not limited to just re-recording material made popular by others, the CD features their biggest hits as well. T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia), a #1 pop and R&B hit from 1974, is best known as the theme from the long-running syndicated television series, "Soul Train." "Sexy," a #2 R&B hit from 1975 is also found on the CD. The latter is one of the best R&B instrumentals from the 1970s that wasn't a theme song.

All of the tracks on the CD are good, many are great. Their cover of "Smile Happy," which closes the set, is a real gem. Rather than just do a copy of War's recording, MFSB gives it the "cinematic soul" treatment. Its nicely textured arrangement and gradual build would work well on a film sountrack. It's simply amazing that pop radio didn't jump all over it.

Whether you are from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or Philadelphia, Mississippi, you should definitely give this CD a spin. This is especially true if you like jazz-flavored instrumentals, but have grown weary of the glut of uninspired instrumental versions of pop tunes on the market today. You won't be disappointed.

Today's music is like the grammar I displayed in the title, W-R-O-N-G. You could not put this BAND in music today because they don't understand that this is music. That there are real fingers playing pieces of strings and metal. Not a big board with buttons. They are following marks on a paper that are called notes. Not looping a mindless beat. There is a melody and a bridge. Not sound effects in its place. This is by far the album. If you want to remember when you used to sneak in the basement and play your mom and dad's records this is the album. If you want to relive the times when you wake up on Saturday mornings and watch Fat Albert and then Soul Train this is the album. THIS IS THE ALBUM. Go ahead and give your children a real music memory.

I have read most of the reviews and they all focus on TSOP (Soul Train Sound Track). Have you all forgotten Love is the Message. This is the ultimate dance record, what else is there to hustle to. No matter when or where I hear this song it invokes memories of happy times when I was about 11-12, 15-16, 20-38. This song unlike so many others has stood the test of time. The break when the song goes from a mellow jazz composition to a "this is my part!!" get up and dance beat that is unforgettable. While I agree that TSOP may have gotten more air play because of soul train, I truly believe more people recognize MFSB for their Love is the Message theme.

Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, The Salsoul Orchestra, and M.F.S.B. provided the 1970's with some of the best dance music of the decade. The latter was responsible for providing the "background" instrumentation for Philadelphia-International hit-makers like The Three Degrees, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The O'Jays, Billy Paul, Archie Bell & the Drells, and countless others on the label. There were occasions when the band was allowed to come to the "foreground" and make the charts themselves. The group's "T.S.O.P (The Sound of Philadelphia)" became its biggest hit by virtue of the fact that it was the theme for the successful dance show, Soul Train.

This particular compilation displays the band's versatility as it tackles big band sounds, pop, jazz, and funk. While a couple of the tracks are dated, the remaining ones are as timeless as music can be. Compliments must be heaped upon original producers Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, Bobby Martin, Vince Montana, and Jack Faith.

I just wondered why the folks at Motown never thought of showcasing their session musicians. They had one heckuva group themselves.

Alongside the Love Unlimited Orchestra there can be no better instumentalists than M.F.S.B. For me, personally, Philly International was the finest record label ever and huge love and respect is due to the genius of Kenny Gamble,Leon Huff and those superb men and woman who were the musicians of M.F.S.B.
Be it the wonderful keyboards of Leon Huff or Dexter Wansel or the sax solos of Zach Zackery there was class with a capital C in everything M.F.S.B. played. Not only did they supply backing music for such as Billy Paul, the O'Jays,Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin, Jean Carne etc, etc.they also released half a dozen albums showcasing there own undoubted talents. This album is essential listnening for those who love their music in the purest form. Super cover versions and M.F.S.B. classics like T.S.O.P. Sexy and Tender Lovin Care ( T.L.C. ) Go Get Some!!!

This album takes me back to the days of my youth and listening to my dad's records. Now that I am older I can truly appreciate the genius of the ensemble know as MFSB. Most know of MFSB's work through their `Sound of Philadelphia' disco orchestrations (The theme music for Soul Train is an example). The Best of MFSB definitely delivers that sound. If you want to feel like you are stuck right in the middle of a movie set from the 70s, this is the album for you. However, this band goes far beyond the lush strings and horns of the disco theme. Tracks like `Something for Nothing' and `Poinciana' stretch the limits of the 70s dance sound.

The next time you play the O'jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, Jean Carn, etc., please remember MFSB because they are the sound that we all have come to love over the years.

Before disco was co-opted by the white shirts and hacks out to make a quick buck, the real dance music was being made like this. Complex arrangements, swirling strings, punchy horns, vibes, and a KILLER rhythm section propelled the beat AND the melody. Gamble & Huff and their team of writers, arrangers, and singers made it all seem so simple. The swing revival going on now should also include the music of MFSB, which not only swings hard, but teases, cajoles, soothes, and inspires. Just try NOT dancing to this!!!!

Born and raised in Philadelphia, how can you NOT know who MFSB is?! If you listen to the Stylistics, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes & Teddy Pendergrass, The Three Degrees, Jerry Butler, The Spinners, Lou Rawls, Patty LaBelle, Even Archie Bell & The Drells, MFSB back all of them. I miss that sound emensly!! I'm glad to have that CD in my collection just to recap old memeries on what made The Sound Of Philadelphia so Special!!

The older I get and listen to todays music, the more I long for the music of the past. MFSB represents to me , one of those lost group of artist whose time has still not surcomb to the lower standards of current time.Artistic, talented and perfect the music brings you back to a time when style was having a piggy back ride with substance.

We expected our music to make sense and sound like it did from beginning to end. This CD provides to the listener that experience.