Mark Smotroff
LightNews LightNews
banner
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 4.7K posts
Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics.
Music is love...
Posts Replies Media Videos
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Nipper is helping me start integrating the amazing 45s I was gifted last year by one of my vinyl angels. Easier said than done, the journey exploring them, figuring out where they go, duplicates/upgrades, cleaning, playing, etc. is a process. A fun one, but a process nonetheless. #musicsky #music
Nipper has been helping me as I'm making a concerted effort this year to start integrating the amazing collection of 45s I was gifted last year by one of my vinyl angels. Easier said than done, the journey of going through all these 45s and figuring out where they go, duplicates/upgrades over what I have, cleaning, playing, etc. is quite a process. A fun one, but a process nonetheless. Thank you again, vinyl angel
February 14, 2026 at 1:11 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
#musicsky #music

youtu.be/a9hG0haQVHQ?...
You Take My Love for Granted
YouTube video by Hodges,James & Smith - Topic
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 9:32 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
For a group described online as a challenge to The Supremes, the unfortunately named "Hodges, James & Smith" rocks a whole lot harder than expected. Bluesier, with rich gospel chops & some baddass guitar soloing. Produced by William "Mickey" Stevenson, he was reportedly... #musicsky #music
For a group described online as originally intended to challenge The Supremes, the unfortunately named "Hodges, James & Smith" rocks a whole lot harder than expected. Bluesier, with rich gospel chops and some baddass guitar soloing. Produced by William "Mickey" Stevenson, he was reportedly the "Mickey" of Smokey Robinson's "Mickey's Monkey" fame, and an important player in the classic era of Motown hits. A keeper for sure, this is another in the gift crates from one of my vinyl angels (who I thank again!). I wonder if Bowie heard "Little By Little" before writing "Fame"?
February 13, 2026 at 9:29 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Hey Marianne - Starting to organize the 45 collection I was gifted last year by one of my vinyl angels, I woke up with an earworm for The Hollies' playful 1967 Top 10 hit "Carrie-Anne." Graham Nash says in his autobiography it was about Marrianne Faithfull. Cont'd #musicsky #music
Hey Marianne - Starting to organize the 45 collection I was gifted last year by one of my vinyl angel, I woke up with an earworm for The Hollies' playful 1967 Top 10 hit "Carrie-Anne." Graham Nash says in his autobiography it was about Marrianne Faithfull. This rare red promo single was in the gift crate, a split single w/ The Tremeloes 4 Seasons cover. Thanks again vinyl angel!
February 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Sensible Mark knows he shouldn't hold on to this. Collector preservationist Mark knows that finding a mint 1957 LP narrated by voiceover legend Ken Nordine -- of the great Word Jazz LPs & eventual collaboration with Jerry Garcia, among many others -- should stand for something. 1of2 #musicsky #music
Sensible Mark knows he shouldn't hold on to this. Completist collector preservationist Mark knows that finding a mint condition 1957 LP narrated by voiceover legend Ken Nordine --who later did the great Word Jazz LPs and eventually collaborated with no less than Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart, among many others -- should stand for something. A saccharine look back on the music of the first half of the 20th century, it is loosely modeled after Gordon Jenkins' 1946's over-the-top ridiculous Manhattan Towers audio drama. Ken's mellifluous monologues are the star of this kitschy timepiece ....
February 13, 2026 at 7:18 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Road Tunes: "Little Dots," recordings from the 1972 Petit Wazoo tour. Fascinating authorized Zappa archival release.... #musicsky #music #zappa #jazzsky #jazz
Road Tunes: "Little Dots," recordings from the 1972 Petit Wazoo tour. Fascinating authorized Zappa archival release....
February 13, 2026 at 4:02 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I know that #PeterGabriel made his cover image using a #Polaroid camera, inspired by a famed photographer who had been doing this sort of thing..... but I wonder if perhaps subconsciously they were influenced by this 1964 #JohnColtrane album cover design? #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
I know that Peter Gabriel made his cover image using a Polaroid camera, inspired by a famed photographer who had been doing this sort of thing..... but I wonder if perhaps subconsciously they were influenced by this 1964 John Coltrane album cover design?
February 12, 2026 at 4:53 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Last spin for the night, "From Bindu to Ojas" is the second release from spiritual teacher Baba Ram Dass in 1970. As I understand it this LP was included in a promotional book containing original pages from what became his book "Be Here Now" (which I probably need to read). Cont'd #musicsky #music
Last spin for the night, "From Bindu to Ojas" is the second release from spiritual teacher Baba Ram Dass in 1970. As I understand it this LP was included in a promotional book containing original pages from what became his book "Be Here Now" (which I probably need to read). The album was apparently also distributed independently without any cover. This is the third copy I have found in the past 10 years. I've traded other ones away. I might keep this one. Its kind of amazing hearing him chant the Jewish prayer "The Shema" over a backing of droning Indian instrumentation (a Tanpura possibly). There is a great detailed entry about this on Discogs if you are interested in reading about it...
February 12, 2026 at 6:08 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I know little about Billie Joe Becoat save for what's on Bandcamp. Never saw this or heard of him before. Thrift or flea market find.Wondered if it might have been post Love Arthur Lee under an alias? Sort of edgy/fractured at points, Tim Buckley-meets-Phil Ochs. Clues anyone? #musicsky #music
I know nothing about Billie Joe Becoat save for what I've read on Bandcamp tonight. Never saw this or heard of him before. Wondered if it might have been post Love Arthur Lee under an alias? Its sort of edgy/fractured at points, Tim Buckley-meets-Phil Ochs... drums, subtle bass and acoustic guitar... then a banjo... Saul Zaentz produced. Clues anyone? Thrift or flea market find (can't remember right now).
February 12, 2026 at 4:56 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Glad I never was a Kiss fan. This is cringy on many levels.
#musicsky #music

www.nj.com/entertainmen...
Rock legend blasts the Rock Hall for inducting rappers. ‘I don’t come from the ghetto.’
The rocker shared a similar sentiment to Rolling Stone almost 10 years ago
www.nj.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:40 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A nice morning listen to a wonderful reissue of the 1962 Bill Evans Quintet LP "Interplay." My listening report is on eCoustics (dot com). Scroll down a bit when you get there to find it. #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
A nice morning listen to a wonderful reissue of the 1962 Bill Evans Quintet LP "Interplay." My listening report is on eCoustics (dot com). Scroll down a bit when you get there to find it.
February 11, 2026 at 6:05 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Some long overdue reviews have finally seen the light of day including one on this wonderful 1965 Bill Evans Quintet LP via Craft Recordings great Original Jazz Classics reissue series. #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz

www.ecoustics.com/music/bill-e...
Some long overdue reviews have finally seen the light of day including one on this wonderful 1965 Bill Evans Quintet LP via Craft Recordings great Original Jazz Classics reissue series. https://www.ecoustics.com/music/bill-evans-interplay/
February 11, 2026 at 5:18 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Zappa Adjacent: Yesterday I learned about Nolan Porter finding this at Grooves Records in SF. 1970 LP, backed by Little Feat including Jimmy Carl Black of the Mothers. Of course, Lowell George was in the Mothers for a bit as was early Feat bassist Roy Estrada. Cont'd #musicsky #music
Zappa Adjacent: Yesterday I learned about Nolan Porter when I found this at Grooves Records in SF. 1970 release on Lizard (dist. by Ampex), he is backed by Little Feat including Jimmy Carl Black of the Mothers. Of course, Lowell George was in the Mothers for a bit as was early Feat bassist Roy Estrada. The Zappa connection grows stronger however: Mr. Porter was married to Zappa’s sister! How I have never heard about this before I’ll never know. He’s barely mentioned on the Zappa wiki (WikiJawaka). But that is part of the joy of music: always something new to discover!
February 11, 2026 at 6:07 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Franken-Funk - Couldn’t leave Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain in the bargyn bin for 5bux even if with a messy cover. Vinyl near mint. The rub: Cover is probably original, but LP is a reissue. Made in France (per the label) or Germany (reportedly printed on the matching cover). Cont'd #musicsky #music
Franken-Funk - Couldn’t leave Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain in the bargyn bin for 5bux even if with a messy cover. Vinyl near mint. Here is the rub… 

Cover is probably original, but the LP is a reissue. Made in France (per the label) or Germany (reportedly printed on the matching cover). Discogs says its a Direct Metal Master press from digital tape sources. It still sounds better than the 4MenWithBeards copy I found at a thrift for 3bux in 2021 (which has “non-fill” issues, but a very nice gatefold cover). Why don’t I just buy a complete original? Well, I’m not up to spending 100 - 700 for this yet which is what these go for even in poor condition. I can wait. For now I can at least enjoy the music without the annoying non-fill “pfft” sounds.
February 11, 2026 at 4:01 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Oh maaan.... I forgot this was in the box from my vinyl angel's gift last year: A UK Stiff Records pressing of Richard Hell's debut EP. "Another World" b/w "Blank Generation" & "You Gotta Lose." Original Voidoids Marc Bell, Robert Quine & Ivan Julian. Amazing. Played this 3 times! #musicsky #music
Oh maaan.... I'd forgotten this was in the box of gems from my vinyl angel's gift last year... A UK Stiff Records pressing of Richard Hell's first single, an EP including "Another World" b/w "Blank Generation" and "You Gotta Lose." Original Voidoids including Marc Bell, Robert Quine & Ivan Julian. Amazing. Thank you again vinyl angel. Played this 3 times!
February 10, 2026 at 7:41 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
1 Step From Springsteen To The Partridge Family - Never bothered to research Bruce's original manager/producer Mike Appel but it turns out he co-wrote this classic 1967 psych garage rock hit "A Question Of Temperature" by The Balloon Farm. Appel later co-wrote hits with ...
Cont'd. #musicsky #music
1 Step From Springsteen To The Partridge Family - Never bothered to research Bruce's original manager/producer Mike Appel but it turns out he co-wrote this classic 1967 psych garage rock hit "A Question Of Temperature" by The Balloon Farm. Appel later co-wrote hits with Wes Farrell for The P-Family including "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted." This great sounding (and seriously rawkin') promo 45 is from the vinyl angel gift last year... Thanks again, vinyl angel!
February 10, 2026 at 7:19 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Taking a little time this morning to sort through and spin some of the amazing 45s gifted to me last year by one of my vinyl angels. This beautiful condition promo of The Left Banke's "Pretty Ballerina" sounds amazing. Thank you again vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
Taking a little time this morning to sort through and spin some of the amazing 45s gifted to me last year by one of my vinyl angels. This beautiful condition promo of The Left Banke's "Pretty Ballerina" sounds amazing. Thank you again vinyl angel!
February 10, 2026 at 6:46 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
You probably didn't know you needed to hear "The Impossible Dream" played in the style of Tom Jones' "Its Not Unusual" and The 5th Dimension's "Up Up & Away" with Banjo as one of the support instruments. I didn't until now. Cont'd

#musicsky #music
You probably didn't know you needed to hear "The Impossible Dream" played in the style of Tom Jones' "Its Not Unusual" and The 5th Dimension's "Up Up & Away" with Banjo as one of the support instruments. I didn't until now. Found this obscure 1968 single at the flea market on Sunday. Credited to "Captain Milk" but seems to be flautist Edwin Hubbard, a comment on a YT video hints this might be some of the Nashville session cats who later formed Area Code 615 (which issued two fine LPs in 1969&70) which makes some sense. The A-side is one of the more off-kilter "Hey Jude" covers I've heard (again, flute instrumental with off-key children's choir) but that B-side makes this a keeper.
February 10, 2026 at 6:13 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Ok, so I've become a bit obsessive about this album since finding my first copy 6 or so years ago, a record I'd read about but which eluded me for decades. Who is this man who looks like the inspiration for David Lynch's lead character in Eraserhead? 1of4 #musicsky #music #zappa #varese
Ok, so I've become a bit obsessive about this album since finding my first copy 6 or so years ago, a record I'd read about but which eluded me for decades. Who is this man who looks like the inspiration for David Lynch's lead character in Eraserhead (ie. Henry)? This is the first formal release by avant garde modern music composer Edgard Varese. Its the LP which inspired a young Frank Zappa to become a composer. If you know Zappa's work, when you hear this you'll spot the influence immediately. Found this copy tonight on my evening walk at Grooves Records for 6$ in the new arrivals bin. 1st press w/ Varese's signature printed in red on the cover. Its not one of the extra rare color vinyl variants, alas (I have one that is deep blood-red-purple but its very beat up). I now have 4 copies. None are perfect but this is only the 2nd copy I have found in nice enough shape to play on my best turntable. It sounds better than the 2nd press I own which looks cleaner but has minor annoying groove distortion. As I said, its admittedly a bit obsessive.
February 10, 2026 at 4:42 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Worked this weekend so slept in & just getting my day going w/ a first spin of a wonderful 1975 Joe Henderson LP, "Canyon Lady." Flea mkt score for 3$ Sunday. Promo sticker on back. Vinyl perfect. George Duke, electric piano. Arranged/conducted by Luis Gasca. Dig it! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
Worked much of this weekend so I slept in a bit & just getting my day going with a first spin of an immediately wonderful 1975 Joe Henderson, "Canyon Lady." Scored at the local flea mkt for 3bux Sunday. Promo sticker on back cover. Vinyl in perfect condition. George Duke on electric piano. Arranged/conducted by Luis Gasca. Diggin' it...
February 9, 2026 at 6:52 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I saw a lbehind-the-scenes of the making of #BadBunny 's show (before I have even seen the whole performance). When I learned he had people dressed as the sugar cane fields a necessity to create the illusion quickly w/o props, lifts/tech (& probably union workers!), i thought of... cont'd
I saw a little behind-the-scenes of the making of Bad Bunny's half-time show (before I have even seen the whole performance)... and as soon as I learned that he had people dressed up as the sugar cane fields -- a necessity to create the illusion quickly without bringing in more lifts, technology (and probably unions workers as well) I thought of this classic scene from the Wizard Of Oz film. In the forest many (if not most) of the moving trees actually had human actors in them, manipulating the branches and such. Some more obvious than others, such as this scene at the start of their journey down the Yellow Brick Road. So it was a brilliant solution using old school theater and cinematic staging techniques, not AI or CGI or other modern solutions.
February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Record Rescue: My quest to collect David Stone Martin album covers from the 1940s-'50s continues. Some of these records are so hard to find you have to "frankenstein" them together. #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz cont'd
Record Rescue: My quest to collect David Stone Martin album covers from the 1940s-'50s continues. Some of these records are so hard to find you have to "frankenstein" them together. Case in point this 1954-era 3LP set featuring 1952 Jazz At The Philharmonic Carnegie Hall recordings of Oscar Peterson, Lester Young, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, etc. Years ago I found a incomplete copy: 2 clean LPs but water damaged cover. Tonight at Amoeba I found all 3 LPs (oddly the missing one has some light scuffing) for just 8bux. More complete but curiously damaged cover. Look close at the lower image to see the right cover has a tear over which an enterprising prior owner drew missing text. I decided to repair this box as best I can (was missing the lower spine) and save the non ripped cover as an insert. This will content me until I find a better copy (which is unlikely).
February 9, 2026 at 5:03 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
This!
meidastouch.com MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 6d
Bad Bunny’s closing messages during his Super Bowl performance:

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love”
“Together, we are America”
February 9, 2026 at 2:56 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Looking forward to seeing the half time show but from accounts I'm reading online & reaction of a packed bar on Haight Street (SF) I happened to be walking by when it started, it seems to have been a very dynamite show, indeed! Clips on YT so far look wonderful. Go #BadBunny ! #musicsky #music
Looking forward to seeing the full playback of the half time show but from accounts I'm reading online and the reaction of a packed bar on Haight Street I happened to be walking by when it started, it seems to have been a very dynamite show, indeed! Clips I've seen on YT so far look wonderful. Go Bad Bunny!
February 9, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
rbreich.bsky.social
According to the New Yorker, Donald Trump and his family profited off the presidency by an estimated $4 billion in 2025 — mostly through shady crypto deals.

That amounts to $456,621 per hour.

But how are you doing?
February 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM