Love Is The Message

United Souls, in conjunction with Legacy Recordings, is delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records with "Love Is The Message : The Sound Of Philadelphia International Records Volume 3".

Following on from the huge acclaim for the 1st 2 volumes, "Love Is The Message" contains 8 albums on CD and an exclusive 12” vinyl disc.

Presented in a deluxe package 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 has been remastered from the original master tapes courtesy of Sony Music and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff who have been personally involved in these landmark anniversary collections.

"Love Is The Message" follows 2 previous releases "Get On Board The Soul Train" and "Satisfaction Guaranteed". Those sets cover the 1st 16 albums in chronological order from Philadelphia’s 1st 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 2nd 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 and 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 "TSOP", an era defining track and theme to TV’s 'Soul Train' series. P.I.R. embraced big band with the signing of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis.

Jazz bassist Mont Montgomery also features with his "Reality" album. Bunny Sigler, who was a so integral to the P.I.R. story with the many compositions, productions and performances he gave them, appears within. The O’Jays 4th 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 2 of the most recognisable Philly tunes, MFSB featuring The Three Degrees’ "T.S.O.P.’ and the fantastic "Stop And Think" by The Trammps.

April 7th, 2023.