MFSB, T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 152^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” by MFSB featuring The Three Degrees.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 152^nd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)”, performed by 🎙 MFSB.

🎵 “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” appears as the fifth track from 💿 Love Is The Message, the 1973, debut album by 🎙 MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother). Notably, MFSB, who are notable as the backing band for many 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff classics (this one included 😉), tapped 🎙 The Three Degrees for the assist on this primarily instrumental cut. The Three Degrees yield surefire excellence, providing marvelous background vocals, harmonized with a jazzy vibe, and repeating the sole lyrics at the end of the song: “Let’s get it on / It’s time to get down.”  Other than a few vocals and lyrics, “T.S.O.P.” is truly about the sound of Philadelphia in all its glory!

“T.S.O.P.” is incredibly groovy – the first thing that stands out about this highlight from Love Is the Message.  Furthermore, it features a lush, picturesque backdrop that sounds Philly through and through.  This backdrop includes exuberant horns 🎺, sophisticated strings 🎻, soulful organ, and of course, a tight rhythm section. The riffs that appear throughout are electrifying, while the arrangement is stellar. 🎵 “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” is best experienced via listening rather than writing about it.  Notably, it was a big-time pop hit, peaking at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 💪.

🎙 MFSB • 💿 Love Is The Message • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 1973

MFSB, T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 152 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]