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
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
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
ashleyvotesblue.bsky.social
Spot on! 🔥🔥🔥
From: RESISTANCE MOVEMENT IN MY MILITARY TRAINING, I WAS TAUGHT THAT AS AN OFFICER, I SHOULD OBEY AND CARRY OUT ALL LAWFUL ORDERS. I WAS ALSO TAUGHT THAT IF I WERE EVER ORDERED TO DO ANYTHING UNLAWFUL, MY RESPONSIBILITY WOULD BE TO THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION. ~ PETE BUTTIGIEG ~
November 25, 2025 at 11:05 PM
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
Tis the season... as we step into Thanksgiving it was time to break out this classic film by an animator friend of mine, made many years ago...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn4D...
I Was A Thanksgiving Turkey (1986)
YouTube video by VHS Kingdom
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:13 AM
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
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
markjacob.bsky.social
The New York Times' story about Trump calling for the execution of members of Congress ran on Page 16 today, with an itty-bitty promo on the front about halfway down the page.
No wonder Trump thinks he can get away with anything.
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
wajali.bsky.social
Keep this story in the news.

"Man Detained by ICE Found Dead, Hanging With Hands and Feet Tied—Attorney"

www.newsweek.com/ice-detainee...
Man detained by ICE found dead, hanging with hands and feet tied—attorney
The Chinese national died in Pennsylvania in August, but his family's requests for answers from DHS have gone unmet.
www.newsweek.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:33 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
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
denverwaxfiend.bsky.social
This will allow users to remake songs...make it stop
November 20, 2025 at 5:38 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
Seems a good time to play this ode to Piggies
youtu.be/BlMXKz1DImA
The Rutles - Piggy In The Middle
YouTube video by TheRutlesVEVO
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 10:58 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
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
acyn.bsky.social
AOC: Should this AI bubble pop, we should not be entertaining a bailout of these corporations while healthcare is being denied to Americans and SNAP is being denied to Americans —
November 18, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
governor.ca.gov
Donald Trump and Greg Abbott played with fire, got burned — and democracy won.

This ruling is a win for Texas and for every American who fights for free and fair elections.
November 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM