UNITED SOULS Love Is The Message

THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA - VOLUME 3: LOVE IS THE MESSAGE - THE THIRD INSTALMENT OF THE OFFICIAL RELEASE SERIES FEATURES SOME OF THE LABEL'S MOST BELOVED RECORDINGS. Celebrating 50 years of Philadelphia International Records, 'Love Is The Message' contains eight albums on CD & an exclusive 12" vinyl disc, all luxuriously presented with a booklet telling the story of how this iconic label evolved in Philadelphia to become truly international. The notes this time around feature a personal account from writer Tony Cummings who recalls his fascinating visit to the City Of Brotherly Love. All the music here is remastered from the original master tapes courtesy of Sony Music & Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff who have been personally involved in these landmark anniversary collections. 'Love Is The Message' follows two previous releases 'Get On Board The Soul Train' & 'Satisfaction Guaranteed'. Those sets cover the first sixteen albums in chronological order from PIR's first LP 'Going East' by Billy Paul in 1971 through to what was another Billy Paul album in 1973, 'War Of The Gods'. The start of this collection continues from where the second edition left off, through 1973 to the early releases of 1975. During this period Teddy Pendergrass stayed on as lead singer with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. MFSB were the string & horn players alongside an elite rhythm section. With all releases on the label MFSB were never far away. The Three Degrees who also feature on 'T.S.O.P.', an era defining track & theme to TV's 'Soul Train' series. PIR embraced big band with the signing of Thad Jones & Mel Lewis. Jazz bassist Mont Montgomery also features with his 'Reality' album. Bunny Sigler, who was a so integral to the PIR story with the many compositions, productions & performances he gave them, appears within. The O'Jays fourth album is included, while Billy Paul's 'Got My Head On Straight' concludes the LP section of the package. The set is rounded off with an exclusive 12" single featuring two of the most recognisable Philly tunes; MFSB feat. The Three Degrees's 'T.S.O.P.' & the fantastic 'Stop & Think' by The Trammps. 'Love Is The Message' is available worldwide via United Souls.