Name: Mysteries Of The World
Brand: MFSB

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BEWITH 137LP

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2023-08-18

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Forced Exposure

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

4251804139472

Total Cap

Artist

MFSB

Genre US

Funk / Soul

Label US

Be With Records

MFSB (abbreviation for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) was a Philadelphia-based R&B, funk, disco band formed by producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff of the Philadelphia International Records label. The band gained prominence in the 1970s as the house band at Sigma Sound Studios, where they played on numerous hit records by artists such as The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and The Stylistics.

MFSB comprised a rotating cast of musicians, many of whom were former members of Philadelphia's legendary session band, The Delfonics. Known for their tight grooves and intricate arrangements blending elements of funk, soul, jazz, and disco. Their signature sound featured a rich horn section, funky bass lines, and infectious rhythms.

In 1973 MFSB had their first major hit with the instrumental track "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", which served as the theme song for the television show Soul Train. This Grammy Award-winning song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Throughout the 1970s MFSB continued to release successful albums and singles including "Love Is the Message", "Sexy" and "K-Jee". Their music was featured in films and TV shows while influencing numerous artists in funk and disco genres.

Despite lineup changes over time,MFSB performed and recorded throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Today they are

Newest Listed Items

Restored classics, rare finds, and sought-after releases. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a tape collector, we have something for everyone.

Reissues

Mysteries Of The World is the stunning final studio album from legendary Philly supergroup MFSB. Expertly co-written and produced with the mighty Dexter Wansel, it features the untouchable, sparkling masterpiece Mysteries Of The World. The whole album is truly exquisite; a stylish, classy collection of pure Philly soul and orchestral jazz-funk. MFSB, an acronym for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, was formed by producers Gamble &amp; Huff of Philadelphia International Records. The band's roots can be traced back to the house band at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios, where they played on numerous hit records by artists like The O'Jays, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, and The Stylistics. Mysteries Of The World comprises slick jazz-funk grooves, mostly penned by Wansel, who produced a fair chunk of the album in a similar style to his space-funk records. MFSB's smooth sound is retained but it receives a fresh, elegant and jazzy upgrade. While this album is as mellow as the rest of the latter-period MFSB recordings, it never forgets the group's soul music underpinnings. Swaggering, well-timed horn blasts, sweeping strings and a percolating, hard thumping slap-bassline combine to devastating effect on amazing opener "Manhattan Skyline". It's a sexy mid-tempo instrumental which sets us up for the title track, arguably the finest jazz-funk instrumental ever made. Featuring musicianship of the highest caliber, the band play with their trademark tight discipline and the track fuses classical, jazz, and funk. The profound elegance remains in abundance on the slinky, harp-laced "Tell Me Why"; Carla Benson's beautiful voice truly shines on this sophisticated cut. The side closes out in dramatic style with the string-drenched "Metamorphosis," a staccato, Blaxploitation groove workout featuring wah-wah guitar, creeping basslines, rich horn solos, and soulful vocals. The bouncy, irrepressible "Fortune Teller" opens the B side in the bass-heavy orchestral funk style before the beautiful "Old San Juan" glides in, a Balearic-adjacent track with intricate arrangements. Melancholy, guitar-led instrumental "Thank You Miss Scott" is a real highlight, whilst closer "In the Shadow" works an otherworldly synth line into its bossa nova groove.

Mysteries Of The World

Music US