Mark Smotroff
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 4.6K posts
Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics.
Music is love...
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Believe it or not this is an uncommon record: a clean, close to perfect condition copy of Donovan's Sunshine Superman in Mono. Most copies you see are fake stereo. This is at least my third upgrade and it sounds amazing. Cont'd

#musicsky #music
Believe it or not this is an uncommon record: a clean, close to perfect condition copy of Donovan's Sunshine Superman in Mono. Most copies you see are fake stereo. This is at least my third upgrade and it sounds amazing. Only one small visual glitch on an acoustic track which I suspect some fool DJ used to grab a sample; fortunately it plays through fine. Recent thrift find. Deeper Zep fans know that Jimmy Page is on the title track.
January 30, 2026 at 6:20 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Lets see how many brains melt with this novelty nugget from 1974 which features Joey Levine, #bubblegum voice of hits by The Ohio Express and many others... #musicsky #music
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqba...
Reunion - Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me) • TopPop
YouTube video by TopPop
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:24 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Comfort Food - One of my favorite '60s soul albums, the debut by Philadelphia's Brenda & The Tabulations. Virtually non-existant on the West Coast (I've had several dealers in LA laugh at me when asking about it), I eventually broke down & bought both of their albums online. 1of2 #musicsky #music
Comfort Food - One of my favorite '60s soul albums, the debut by Philadelphia's Brenda & The Tabulations. Virtually non-existant on teh West Coast (I've had several dealers in LA laugh at me when I asked about it years ago), I eventually broke down and bought both of their albums online. Have only found a copy of this once in the wilds, an utterly trashed stereo copy from a junk shop in Palm Springs. Before or since, have never seen a copy show up anywhere which is a shame as it is so very very good.
January 30, 2026 at 4:27 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
While I'm not a huge Dave Pike fanatic, his early Bossa Nova LPs are fun, especially w/ support like this. Found his 1962 LP of Joao Donato covers in the bargain bin in nice shape (albeit with messy cover). Produced by Elliot Mazer, acclaimed for work on Neil Young's Harvest. #musicsky #jazzsky
While I'm not a huge Dave Pike fanatic, his early Bossa Nova albums are fun, especially with support like this. Found his 1962 LP of Joao Donato compositions in the bargain bin in nice shape (albeit with messy cover). Produced by Elliot Mazer, later acclaimed for his work on Neil Young's Harvest.
January 29, 2026 at 5:51 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
That thing when you go back to a store to see if they put out more titles from a collection you suspect was being put out & they did & you find a 1st press of a highly respected album from 1956 in nice condition for 10$. Now Playing: The Jimmy Giuffre 4: Tangents In #Jazz. #musicsky #jazzsky #music
That thing when you go back to a store to see if they put out any more early jazz titles from a collection you suspect was being put out and they did and you find an original first pressing of a highly respected album from 1956 in very very nice condition for a tenner. Now Playing: The Jimmy Giuffre 4: Tangents In Jazz.
January 29, 2026 at 4:21 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
ICYMI #musicsky #music #bruce #minneapolis
youtu.be/wWKSoxG1K7w?...
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 4:53 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I don't know much about French saxophonist Guy Lafitte, but this 1968 soul jazz leaning album I found at a local thrift is way better than I ever imagined it would be. Fun stuff. #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz
I don't know much about French saxophonist Guy Lafitte, but this 1968 soul jazz leaning album I found at a local thrift is way better than I ever imagined it would be. Fun stuff.
January 28, 2026 at 9:10 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
FYI from the Associated Press: "Amazon is slashing about 16,000 corporate #jobs in the second round of mass layoffs for the ecommerce company in three months. The tech giant has said it plans to use generative artificial intelligence to replace corporate workers." #AI

apnews.com/article/amaz...
FYI from the Associated Press: "Amazon is slashing about 16,000 corporate #jobs in the second round of mass layoffs for the ecommerce company in three months. The tech giant has said it plans to use generative artificial intelligence to replace corporate workers." #AI https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoffs-job-cuts-tech-74387fae2313ff7b0b1e638c00863443
January 28, 2026 at 6:28 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Someone offloaded a deep collection of well loved ECM jazz at the local flea mkt. including many Oregon-adjacent LPs. Got a few I needed like this 1976 WLP w/ Oregon's Glen Moore & pianist Larry Karush. Mr. Karush is on Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians." #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
Someone offloaded a deep collection of well loved ECM jazz titles at the local flea market on Sunday, which most of my fellow diggers passed over. Included were many fine Oregon - adjacent LPs. I grabbed a few I didn't have including this 1976 promo with Oregon bassist Glen Moore and pianist Larry Karush. Never saw this before. Mr. Karush was one of the 18 on Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians."
January 28, 2026 at 5:23 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Road Tunes: Sweet Warrior by Richard Thompson #musicsky #music
Road Tunes: Sweet Warrior by Richard Thompson
January 28, 2026 at 1:07 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
To Infinity and Beyond! Well, its not quite Buzz Lightyear's ScFi but I couldn't leave this 1961 imagined audio documentary of America's trip to the Moon behind at the local thrift. Who knew there was a Florida Symphony Orchestra? 1of4 #musicsky #music #space
To Infinity and Beyond! Well, its not quite Buzz Lightyear's ScFi but Icouldn't leave this 1961 imagined audio documentary of America's trip to the Moon behind at the local thrift. Who knew there was a Florida Symphony Orchestra? Over the top soundtrack flows between Orff-like Carmina Burana choirs to Stravinsky-esque rhythmic pulsations and mood swells (it closes with a the closing of The Firebird). The narrator describing journey sounds like a voice I've heard on C-grade SciFi films of the 1950s. Plenty of creepy osciilators and maybe theremin effects, especially as they get into outer space and prepare to land on the moon. Deluxe gatefold cover with a booklet and pix. Perhaps best is the tagline on the back cover which the narrator emotes at the end, almost in tears that this is only "The Beginning... Of The Beginning ... of the Beginning."
January 27, 2026 at 6:15 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
After my walk in Golden Gate Park, an obligatory stop at Amoeba revealed a wonderful buy: an original 1955 12-inch LP of Jimmy Giuffre's debut in such nice condition I didn't even have to wash it. Cost just 10$, it did have a split upper seam but otherwise its incredible. 1of2 #musicsky #jazzsky
After my walk in Golden Gate Park, an obligatory stop at Amoeba revealed a quite wonderful buy: an original 1955 12-inch LP of Jimmy Giuffre's debut in such nice condition I didn't even have to wash it. Costing just a tenner, it did have an split upper seam (now fixed from inside) but other than that its incredible. And yes I know there was a 1954 10-inch with fewer songs (which I own but not in this condition).
January 27, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
taniel.bsky.social
The Atlantic is reporting that Greg Bovino is being demoted and pushed into retirement: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Greg Bovino Loses His Job
The Border Patrol chief has been ousted from his role as “commander at large,” and will return to El Centro.
www.theatlantic.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:06 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
ICYMI, my listening report on the excellent new edition of T.Rex's landmark 1971 LP Electric Warrior (glam rock's ground zero!) from Rhino's High Fidelity reissue series is on Analog Planet (dot com).
www.analogplanet.com/content/t-re...
ICYMI, my listening report on the excellent new edition of T.Rex's landmark 1971 LP Electric Warrior from RHINO's High Fidelity reissue series is on Analog Planet (dot com). https://www.analogplanet.com/content/t-rex%E2%80%99s-pioneering-1971-release-electric-warrior-gets-even-more-glammed-fine-new-rhino-high
January 26, 2026 at 9:37 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Random choice from Saturday's estate sale haul of 40 Latin LPs. This seems to be the first LP from El Salvador's Orquesta Hnos Flores circa 1970. Nifty Farfisa-like organ sounds, punchy horns 'n rhythms. Good party vibes. Seems to be a family band project that was a hit. Fun stuff! #musicsky #music
Random choice from Saturday's estate sale haul of 40 Latin oriented LPs. This seems to be the first full length LP from El Salvador's Orquesta Hnos Flores circa 1970. Nifty period Farfisa-like organ sounds, punchy horns 'n rhythms.... plenty of party vibes. Seems to be a family band project that was a hit. Fun stuff!
January 26, 2026 at 8:44 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I have many Mike Oldfield LPs in 5.1 surround mixes so I don't listen to him on vinyl as much. This, his 2nd LP, Hergest Ridge was intentionally more meditative than Tubular Bells, the massive hit which effectively built Virgin Records. Cont'd #musicsky #music
I have many Mike Oldfield LPs in 5.1 surround mixes so I don't listen to him on vinyl as much. This, his 2nd LP, Hergest Ridge was intentionally more meditative than Tubular Bells, the massive hit which effectively built Virgin Records. I've grown to appreciate HR's healing nature over the years, especially on this chilly Monday amidst dire times. Found this white label promo at the thrift last week .
January 26, 2026 at 6:55 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
File Under: Things I did not buy at the flea market today... #musicsky #music #deanmartin
January 26, 2026 at 6:23 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Sunday Spaces: 1st spin of a 1974 Klaus Schulze (ex Tangerine Dream) LP found at the local flea market for 3$. Never saw this before. Orig. UK press on Caroline Records. Happy find, especially as several other diggers passed over it... cont'd
#musicsky #music
Sunday Spaces: 1st spin of a 1974 Klaus Schulze (ex Tangerine Dream) LP found at the local flea market for 3bux. Never saw this before. Original UK press on Caroline Records. Happy find, especially as several other diggers passed over it (admittedly, the LP looked dubious with weird white dust on it, but that washed off super easily). Sounds wonderful, with a 3D like soundstage for the synth effects.
January 26, 2026 at 5:41 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Happy to have scored a pristine condition copy of blues singer Ruth Brown's 3rd LP from 1959 -- her 1st of standards -- at the local flea market for a 5$. Just need her 2nd to have all the key albums. Easier said than done. They are elusive, especially in this shape. #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Happy to have scored a pristine condition copy of blues singer Ruth Brown's 3rd LP from 1959 -- her 1st of standards -- at the local flea market for a 5$. Just need her 2nd to have all the key albums. Easier said than done. They are elusive, especially in this shape. #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
January 26, 2026 at 4:49 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Seeking light in dark times… Enjoying a upgrade of this 1953 era, Norman Granz produced LP "The Astaire Story" w/ Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, etc. This David Stone Martin cover is the nicest copy of this Volume (2 of 4) I've found to date.. cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Seeking light in dark times… Enjoying a upgrade of this 1953 era, Norman Granz produced LP "The Astaire Story" w/ Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, etc. This David Stone Martin cover is the nicest copy of this Volume (2 of 4) I've found to date: less faded & better vinyl and it's autographed on the back!. Signature matches others on eBay. Thrift find.
January 25, 2026 at 11:30 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Bang A Gong, Its Friday Night! Rawkin' out a tad while waiting for a friend listening to the new Rhino High Fidelity remaster of T.Rex's landmark 1971 glamorama known as Electric Warrior. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com) #musicsky #music
Bang A Gong, Its Friday Night! Rawkin' out a tad while waiting for a friend listening to the new Rhino High Fidelity remaster of T.Rex's landmark 1971 glamorama known as Electric Warrior. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com)
January 24, 2026 at 4:36 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Morning Motivation Music - Little Feat's Waiting For Columbus. This is the original 1979 MoFi audiophile pressing in all its analog glory. I'm still pinching myself as I found this (and a bunch of MoFi's and Half Speed Masters) at a thrift shop recently. #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz
Morning Motivation Music - Little Feat's Waiting For Columbus. This is the original 1979 MoFi audiophile pressing in all its analog glory. I'm still pinching myself as I found this (and a bunch of MoFi's and Half Speed Masters) at a thrift shop recently.
January 23, 2026 at 6:46 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Music For Quelling Construction Noises Down The Street - First spin, 1978 posthumous collection of 1966-67 Coltrane outtakes/alternates. Found in the bargain bin, this material has been reissued on CD but as far as I can tell this is still the only vinyl source. #jazzsky #jazz #musicsky #jazzsky
Music For Quelling Construction Noises Down The Street - First spin, 1978 posthumous collection of 1966-67 Coltrane outtakes/alternates. Found in the bargain bin, this material has been reissued on CD but as far as I can tell this is still the only vinyl source. #jazzsky #jazz #musicsky #jazzsky
January 23, 2026 at 5:53 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
First spin of an obscure album by San Luis Obispo's The Yankee Dollar. Sounds sort of like if The Mama's & The Papas joined The Jefferson Airplane with the Vanilla Fudge's keyboardist sitting in. 1of2 #musicsky #music #psych
First spin of an obscure album by San Luis Obispo's The Yankee Dollar. Sounds sort of like if The Mama's & The Papas joined The Jefferson Airplane with the Vanilla Fudge's keyboardist sitting in. Starts out sort of poppy ala Cowsills and gets edgier as it goes along. Bargyn bin find, it had some sort of dirt/mold/ stuff on the LP and the front cover a bit but that all cleaned off very easily. Never saw this before. Promo sticker on back cover.
January 23, 2026 at 6:40 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Have Diddly Vinyl, Will Diddly Upgrade - Scored a neat partial upgrade of Bo Diddley's 1960 LP "Have Guitar Will Travel." Found a clean LP in the bargain bin (no cover), nice enough to play on my best turntable. Major upgrade over my old copy (same pressing)... cont'd #musicsky #music
Have Diddly Vinyl, Will Diddly Upgrade - Scored a neat partial upgrade of Bo Diddley's 1960 LP "Have Guitar Will Travel." Found a very clean orphan LP in the bargyn bin (no cover), in nice enough shape to play on my best turntable. Major upgrade over my old copy which is the exact same pressing, same "Sheldon" stamper in dead wax, etc. Not mint but sounds pretty amazing. Happy.
January 23, 2026 at 5:14 AM