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Vinyl Details

Record Grade
EX
Cover Grade
VG+
Release Year
1960
Record Label
Philadelphia International Records

MFSB

Love Is The Message

SKU: 146641985793

MFSB - Love Is The Message - 1973 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean  - The record has been cleaned using ultrasonic technology and is in strong EX/EX condition. The cover is crisp, only a VG+ because of age!

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$16.99

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MFSB

MFSB

MFSB, which stands for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, was a prominent R&B, funk, and disco band based in Philadelphia, formed by producers at Philadelphia International Records. The group rose to fame during the 1970s, originating as the house band at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. There, they contributed to numerous hit records for notable artists such as The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and The Stylistics.

The ensemble featured a dynamic lineup of musicians, many of whom were former members of the renowned session band The Delfonics. MFSB was celebrated for its tight grooves and complex arrangements, skillfully blending elements of funk, soul, jazz, and disco. Their distinctive sound was marked by a vibrant horn section, catchy bass lines, and engaging rhythms.

In 1973, MFSB achieved their first major hit with the instrumental track "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," which became the theme song for the television program Soul Train. This track reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

Throughout the 1970s, MFSB continued to produce successful albums and singles, including "Love Is the Message," "Sexy," and "K-Jee." Their music found a place in various films and television shows, influencing many artists in the funk and disco genres.

Despite experiencing several lineup changes over the years, MFSB remained active in performing and recording throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s legacy as a pioneer of the Philadelphia soul sound continues to resonate today, with their music still cherished by fans of funk and R&B.

Description

MFSB - Love Is The Message - 1973 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean  - The record has been cleaned using ultrasonic technology and is in strong EX/EX condition. The cover is crisp, only a VG+ because of age!

  • Record was initially cleaned manually, then ultrasonically cleaned with iSonic Ultrasonic Cleaning prior to grading
  • Grading description below, done with The Vinyl Archivist photo examples in mind
  • Records are packaged with a plastic sleeve, the LP is placed in a fresh white inner sleeve (we include the accompanying sleeve, we send you both), separate from the cover to protect the seams during shipment, and of course, shipped within inserts in a standard cardboard record mailer.
  • We offer discounted shipping on multiple records: calculated shipping for the first one and $2 for each additional one. International Buyers, please read International Buyers paragraph below.


SRO Records Record Grading Guide:

SEALED/Mint:

Vinyl: Assumed mint, unverified until opened.

Sleeve: Visible through shrink wrap, graded as above.

NM (Near Mint):

Vinyl: Nearly flawless, with possible minor scuffs or hairlines only visible under strong light.
Sleeve: Appears new, as if freshly printed.

 

EX (Excellent):

Vinyl: Bright, with minor surface wear and hairlines, not affecting play.

Sleeve: May have faint creases or abrasions, but artwork is clean.

 

VG+ (Very Good Plus):

Vinyl: Obvious wear, scuffs and hairlines, plays with some noise but no major sound issues.

Sleeve: Worn with creases, noticeable wear, acid deterioration, corner dings, chipping, and possible seam wear.

 
Here's the typical SRO Records line in the sand. Anything below VG+, unless it's rare, unusual or just awesome, we're NOT going to sell online, much less go through the hassle of an ultrasonic cleaning, we're going to put it in one of many $10 Record boxes that we sell at Record Conventions and events. Some will wind up in the $1 Box, just to get it back out into the world for someone to enjoy or make a planter out of.

 

VG (Very Good):

Vinyl: Dull appearance with many hairlines and scuffs, somehow plays with persistent noise but no skips. 

Sleeve: Worn with possible seam splits and moderate ring wear.

G+ (Good Plus):

Vinyl: Numerous marks and scratches, plays with significant noise but music usually overpowers flaws.

Sleeve: Rough appearance with possible seam splits and water damage.


G (Good):

Vinyl: Copious unforgettable marks, probably a skip or jump.

Sleeve: Heavy ring wear and damage, likely large seam splits or water damage.


F (Fair):

Vinyl: It's round with nearly infinite damage, skipper gonna skip

Sleeve: It's basically what's left of the sleeve for the album

International Buyers: We charge $7 for the first record and $2 a record thereafter for Domestic Shipping in the continental United States. This only includes shipping to the International hub here in the United States. Please carefully review the total shipping and VAT charges for your order before committing to a purchase, which will be different from what we are able to view or control on the US eBay site.


SRO Records Office 

Record Testing Equipment:


Turntable:

Yamaha Direct Drive YP-D6

Ortofon VMS 20 E Mk II Cartridge


Amplification:

Yamaha Natural Sound Receiver


Speakers:

JBL 4312 Studio

We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy Dept.

We kid! Since 1983, we simply don't exist without happy customers; we offer hassle-free returns on all vinyl LP record album purchase that are returned in the exact condition they were sent. We cannot accept returns on factory sealed/mint new/unopened lp albums that have been opened. Please send us a message if you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your purchase; please do not open a return or an eBay case without contacting us first, we will make it right!


We are professional, quite reasonable to a fault and are ALWAYS willing to work to resolve any issue with a purchase!

Thank you for buying from SRO Records! You can catch us at the Spring and Fall Austin Record Convention, many Austin popups, so drop by and say hello to Gabi and Jeff!

What Our Customers Say

Over 1,400 positive reviews so far from vinyl enthusiasts worldwide

"Super fast shipping. Packed perfectly. Appreciated you putting the disc in a new sleeve and also sending the old one. Super great transaction. Album was better than described. Thank you!"

Jeff Beck - Truth - 1973 Rock - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Lynne P. Jan 22, 2026

"It's round and flat and great music comes from it when you drop the needle......Perfect"

The Band - The Best of The Band - 1976 Country - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Joseph P. Dec 11, 2025

"Item as described with fast shipping!"

REO Speedwagon - Live: You Get What You Play For - 1977 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Lauren H. Oct 25, 2025

"Perfect!"

The Shirelles - Anthology 1959-1964 - NOS Sealed - Funk Soul
Nathan S. Jan 1, 2026

"Shipped quickly, well packaged, exactly as shown and described. Typical well used Chuck Berry vinyl. Bought it mainly to get a better cover for another LP."

Chuck Berry - More Chuck Berry - 1963 - VG - Ultrasonic Clean
Gary L. Feb 20, 2026

"Great seller! Fast shipping! Excellent all the way!"

Triumph - The Sport Of Kings - 1986 CLASSIC ROCK CRC CLUB ED EX - Ultrasonic Cln
Michelle E. Dec 24, 2025

"Excellent."

Various - Music From The Soundtrack Of Barry Lyndon - 1975 Classical - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Tamara N. Feb 5, 2026

"Fast shipping. Item exactly as described. Reliable seller."

Marty Robbins - Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs - 1962 Country - VG+ - Ult Cl
Dorothy S. Dec 20, 2025

"Excellent."

Barrabas - 1972 Latin Funk Prog Rock - RCA - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Craig H. Jan 29, 2026

"Very clean."

The Royal Guardsmen - The Return of the Red Baron - 1967 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Sharon T. Jan 1, 2026

"Awesome. Great purchase, great packaging "

April Wine - First Glance - 1978 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Thomas S. Dec 14, 2025

"AS SHOWN ALL GOOD"

Bulldog - Bulldog - 1972 Rock - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Ryan M. Oct 7, 2025