Mark Smotroff
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 4.3K posts
Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics.
Music is love...
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
While running errands at a local supermarket, I noticed someone had put out rice for the birds who were feasting on it, including some pretty red-tipped blackbirds of some sort. When they went away for a moment I propped up my phone to try and capture some video.

More... #nirds #birdsky #nature
December 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Zootopia 2 was great! Go see it on the big screen in a proper theater. So much fun.
Zootopia 2 was great! Go see it on the big screen in a proper theater. So much fun.
November 30, 2025 at 4:56 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on Craft Recordings fine Original #Jazz Classics series reissue of Art Pepper's iconic/rare 1957 "Surf Ride" LP is on eCoustics (dot com). (Note: cover art on this post adjusted to protect sensitive algorithmic eyes). #musicsky #jazzsky #music
www.ecoustics.com/music/art-pe...
My listening report on Craft Recordings fine Original #Jazz Classics series reissue of Art Pepper's iconic/rare 1957 "Surf Ride" LP is on eCoustics (dot com). (Note: cover art on this post adjusted to protect sensitive algorithmic eyes). #musicsky #jazzsky #music https://www.ecoustics.com/music/art-pepper-surf-ride/
November 29, 2025 at 7:41 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My review of the Blu-ray edition of #PaulMcCartney & #Wings' new 32 track retrospective is on eCoustics (dot com). Also on vinyl, CD & streaming, this is the first time this music is in #DolbyAtmos and in some instances even in 5.1 surround. #musicsky #music

www.ecoustics.com/reviews/wing...
My review of the Blu-ray edition of Paul McCartney & Wings' new 32 track retrospective is on eCoustics (dot com). Also on vinyl, CD & streaming, this is the first time this music is in Dolby Atmos and in some instances even in 5.1 surround. https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/wings-blu-ray-collection/
November 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Road Tunes: Booker T. & the M.G.'s McLemore Avenue. Amazing tribute released some 6 months after Abbey Road ... #musicsky #music
Road Tunes: Booker T. & the M.G.'s McLemore Avenue. Amazing tribute released some 6 months after Abbey Road ...
November 29, 2025 at 3:22 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A key factor for #RecordStoreDay success is where you shop and when you get to the store. This year I'm not in San Francisco and decided to skip Santa Cruz as I was just there 2 weeks ago and have done RSD there many times... cont'd

#musicsky #music
A key factor for Record Store Day success is where you shop and when you get to the store. This year I'm not in San Francisco and decided to skip Santa Cruz as I was just there 2 weeks ago and have done RSD there many times (usually ending up 3rd or 4th in line at Street Light Records no matter how early I arrive). This year I'm trying RSD in Monterey so here I am at 8:30 a.m, first at Recycled Records which opens at 10. Now, of course, I just have to hope they actually have the albums I want... Fingers crossed.
November 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A friend sent this to me today… Had to re-share it. Beatle fans will appreciate this...  Happy Thanksgiving!
A friend sent this to me today… Had to re-share it. Beatle fans will appreciate this...  Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28, 2025 at 1:33 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Sous Chef Mark signing in for apple peeling duty... (fresh picked from my partner's tree!)
Sous Chef Mark signing in for apple peeling duty... (fresh picked from my partner's tree!)
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Road Tunes #2: periodically, I pull out one of the many Robert Pollard "solo" CDs & I'm reminded how much GBV brilliance is tucked away in them. Today, the gorgeous Who-worthy mood-pop song "Slow Hamilton" grabbed me. I have to get this on vinyl: Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love. 1of3 #musicsky #music
Road Tunes #2: Dang... every now and then I pull out one of the many Robert Pollard "solo" CDs and I'm reminded how much GBV brilliance is tucked away in them. Today, the gorgeous Who-worthy mood-pop song "Slow Hamilton" grabbed me. I have to get this album on vinyl: Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love. This promo only CD set features 2 albums released at that time.
November 27, 2025 at 12:43 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Second Wind - Busy morning and much more to accomplish tonight. Getting great energy from this 1962 #ArtBlakey, new to me from a trade at last Saturday's record swap meet. Great band including Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Merritt, Cedar Walton, #WayneShorter and #FreddieHubbard. #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
Second Wind - Busy morning and much more to accomplish tonight. Getting great energy from this 1962 Art Blakey, new to me from a trade at last Saturday's record swap meet. Great band including Curtis fuller, Jimmy Merritt, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard.
November 26, 2025 at 1:14 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
All I need now is Vol. 2 and I will own the complete "Genius of Art Tatum" series on the original Clef Records label with original laminated covers, in nice condition. Found this Vol.5 on Sunday at Amoeba Berkeley for 10, an upgrade over my later Verve pressing. 1of2 #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
All I need now is Vol. 2 and I will own the complete "Genius of Art Tatum" series on the original Clef Records label with original laminated covers, in nice condition. Found this Vol.5 on Sunday at Amoeba Berkeley for 10, an upgrade over my later Verve pressing. It's taken about 20 years to track these down… Not easy to find in good condition on this label.
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Hangin' around one more time with the fine #Rhino High Fidelity restoration of The Monkees' hit 4th LP Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music #monkees
Hangin' around one more time with the fine Rhino High Fidelity restoration of The Monkees' hit 4th LP Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com).
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on #RHINO Records' excellent new Rhino High Fidelity edition of The Monkees' classic fourth album, "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd." is on #AnalogPlanet (dot com). #musicsky #music #monkees
www.analogplanet.com/content/rhin...
My listening report on RHINO Records' excellent new Rhino High Fidelity edition of The Monkees' classic fourth album, "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd." is on Analog Planet (dot com). https://www.analogplanet.com/content/rhino%E2%80%99s-high-fidelity-series-aaa-180g-1lp-edition-monkees%E2%80%99-hit-1967-album-pisces-aquarius
November 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Stepping up energy w/ this 1985 OJC copy of #PaulBley' s 1954 first on Charles Mingus' Debut Records label. Super elusive to find the original 10-inch, I'm more than thrilled as this adds "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Yes, #Mingus and Art #Blakey playing an Xmas tune! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
Stepping up energy w/ this 1985 OJC copy of Paul Bley's 1954 first on Charles Mingus' Debut Records label. Super elusive to find the original 10-inch, I'm more than thrilled as this adds "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Yes, #Mingus and Art #Blakey playing an Xmas tune! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Slow shufflin' into Monday w/ #DukeEllington 's lovely 1955 Blue Light 1930s sides compilation. This doesn't show up often, usually with the pretty blue cover (lower right) beat up. Yesterday at Berkeley Amoeba I found this alternate design in the bargain bin. 1of2 #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Slow shufflin' into Monday with Duke's lovely 1955 Blue Light 1930s sides compilation. This doesn't show up often, usually with the pretty blue cover (lower right) beat up. Yesterday at Berkeley Amoeba I found this alternate cover design in the bargyn bin. Guessing its a late 50s recasting as many did after Miles Davis' Kind of Blue success. Curiously, the pressing is identical to the 1955 (same stampers). Clues anyone? No listings of it on Discogs.
November 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Taking a moment to bask in the glory of an amazing 45 gifted by my other vinyl angel: the debut by Television. Likely unplayed, washing removed a thin layer of storage locker grime. Sounds amazing. Seems to be a 1st press, 81975-A/B runouts, flat label. Thank you again, vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
Taking a moment to bask in the glory of an amazing 45 gifted by my other vinyl angel: the debut by Television. Likely unplayed, washing removed a thin layer of storage locker grime. Sounds amazing. Seems to be a 1st press, 81975-A/B runouts, flat label. Thank you again, vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Just received a rejection letter from a company in NH to which I never applied. Phishing scam, perhaps? What fractured times...
Just received a rejection letter from a company in NH to which I never applied. Phishing scam, perhaps? What fractured times...
November 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Prepping for tomorrow's record swap , I found a gem upgrade in boxes of LPs gifted by a vinyl angel. Collectors of vintage soul know how hard it is to find pristine original LPs. This 1972 hit by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway typically was played hard, resulting in ...

cont'd #musicsky #music
Prepping for tomorrow's record swap (at the Make Out Room here in SF), I discovered a gem upgrade in the boxes of LPs gifted by one of my vinyl angels. Collectors of vintage soul know how hard it is to find genuinely clean original LPs. This 1972 hit by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway typically was played hard, resulting in many well-loved copies in the marketplace. This copy looks virtually unplayed, the cover almost perfect. Thank you again vinyl angel!
November 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music

www.analogplanet.com/content/beat...
Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music https://www.analogplanet.com/content/beatles%E2%80%99-massive-180g-12lp-anthology-collection-aims-enthrall-new-and-seasoned-fab-four Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music https://www.analogplanet.com/content/beatles%E2%80%99-massive-180g-12lp-anthology-collection-aims-enthrall-new-and-seasoned-fab-four
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Spinning again the amazing final side of the new #Beatles Anthology Vol. 4 (prolly 10th time this past week!). On the eve of its formal release, I tag team with my editor to preview-review the newly restored & ratcheted-up 12LP set on Analog Planet (dot com). A major release. #musicsky #music
Spinning again the especially amazing final side of the new Beatles Anthology Vol. 4 (probably the 10th time this past week!). On the eve of its formal release, I tag team with my editor Mike Mettler to preview-review the newly restored, renovated, restored, remastered, remixed and remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP set on Analog Planet (dot com). A major release for Beatle fans.
November 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Refresher listen to my original mono LP of Coltrane's A Love Supreme before the new Acoustic Sounds reissue. I'd completely forgotten I had a well loved but remarkably good sounding OG sans cover which I stored w/ my Stereo copy (2nd press, red-ring label, cover shown here). 1of2. #musicsky #jazzsky
Refresher listen to my original mono copy of Coltrane's A Love Supreme before spinning the new Acoustic Sounds reissue. I'd completely forgotten I had a well loved but still remarkably good sounding original without a cover which I stored with my Stereo copy (2nd press, red-ring label, cover shown here). Maybe with the reissue some old monos will come out of the woodwork and I'll be able to find a cover for this sweet orphan.
November 19, 2025 at 7:55 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Finally saw the majestic Grizzly Bear last night so I'm starting the day with their fine album, Shields. I'll also say the quiet part out loud which I've not seen many say: Grizzly Bear's music is a 21st Century twist on what many of us know as progressive rock. Lovely stuff. #musicsky #music
Finally got to see the majestic Grizzly Bear last night so I'm starting the day with one of their fine fine albums, Shields. I'll also say the quiet part out loud which I've not seen many say: Grizzly Bear's music is a 21st Century Brooklyn twist on what many of us know as progressive rock. Lovely stuff.
November 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I'm not a huge Gerry Mulligan fanatic, but I like his early '50s cool jazz releases on 10-inch LPs. Just enough Baritone sax but not too much. Found this nice 1953 album at Redwood Records in Santa Cruz over the weekend for 5$. Neat trippy cover, shadow Chet Baker behind Gerry. #musicsky #jazzsky
I'm not a huge Gerry Mulligan fanatic, but I like his early '50s cool jazz releases on 10-inch LPs. Just enough Baritone sax but not too much. Found this nice 1953 album at Redwood Records in Santa Cruz over the weekend for 5$. Neat trippy cover, shadow Chet Baker behind Gerry. #musicsky #jazzsky
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Record Rescue - From Offshore Sounds' fun 1st Anniversary dollar-bin-blowout on Saturday, this 1962 #MiltJackson reissue of his 1955 LP -- Basically the 2nd #MJQ sans Lewis with #HoraceSilver instead -- was dirty & well loved. Cont'd...

#musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Record Rescue - From Offshore Sounds' fun 1st Anniversary dollar-bin-blowout on Saturday, this 1962 Milt Jackson reissue of his 1955 LP -- Basically the 2nd MJQ sans Lewis with Horace Silver instead -- was dirty & well loved. But with some good washings its playing decently with the mono cartridge (clicks 'n pops for sure but not distorted or skipping). Cover cleaned up nicely. A good starter copy...
November 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Ages ago when I was still living in NJ in the 1980s, someone at a used shop told me to watch for a rare version of Merle Saunders Fire Up w/ flaming font lettering. Essentially a Jerry Garcia Band joint, I searched for years but only found the common flame color standard font. 1of2 #musicdky #music
Ages ago... literally... I think when I was still living in NJ in the 1980s, someone at a collector's used shop told me to watch for a rare version of Merle Saunders Fire Up with flaming font lettering. Essentially a Jerry Garcia Band joint, I searched for years but only found the more common flame colored standard font. 4 or 5 years ago I found a German pressing with the flame font (which is very nice) but this weekend for the first time I found a US copy. If Discogs is accurate, this seems to have been a 1977 reissue, probably short lived. Sounds warmer than my German LP. For now I'll keep both. Found at Offshore Sounds in Santa Cruz.
November 18, 2025 at 5:35 AM